In machine pitch little league doesn't the parent dropping the ball have to wait until players are ready?

Question

My son, a first time little league player, participated in a game where the parent for the opposing team was dropping the ball into the pitching machine before our defense was ready. Once it was hit to left field before our left fielder had gotten into position and had his back turned to the play. Besides dangerous, it was unsportsmanlike like. Is there any national rule prohibiting that? Our local rules doesn't mention this type of incident. Thank you. I talked to the parent after the game and he said it was our fault if we weren't ready. He was very defensive.

Answer 1

Yes, that is a required part of the game up here in Minnesota. If the kids are dinking around then the rule doesn't really apply, but if the kids are trying to get into position then he should not be dropping the ball into the machine.

Answer 2

Parents like that are exactly the problem today. They are the same people who are throwing punches and hitting other parents because they don't care about the kids, they care about winning, whatever the cost. I'm sure he made sure his batter was ready before he dropped the ball!

I suggest you have a talk with the kids on your team. Tell them their job is to get out into the field, into position, as quickly as possible. Teach them how to play fair, work hard, and not be unsportsmanlike. By doing so, you'll create the next generation of kids who won't be like that jerk!

Have a blast and don't let him ruin your fun!

Answer 3

Of course he has to wait. Although he is a member of the other team his obligations are to the defensive team with the exception of fielding the ball. The umpire should have called the batter out and any runners would return to the base they occupied before this play.

Answer 4

batter just has to be ready