Can a base runner steal when ball is foul tipped into the catchers mitt?

Only in professional Baseball and American Legion baseball is it legal to "take the catcher out" if he is blocking the plate. In all other leagues including high school and college the runner must try and avoid a collision even if it means going out of the baseline. If the catcher is blocking the plate without the ball or making a play on the ball then he can be called for interferring with the baserunner.

Although in American Legion and professional baseball it is legal to "take the catcher out" there are some unwritten rules about doing this, and although they are not violations of the rules and you will not be called out for it, your teammates will appreciate that you follow them as generally if you play baseball long enough you learn retalitation is an very real part of the game.

So if you are "taking out the catcher" -- try not to:

1. make direct contact with the catchers head

2. dont dive in at the catchers knees

3. keep arms tucked as not to intentionally/unintentionally elbow the catcher

4. Dont "show off" if you are ruled safe and the catcher drops the ball

A most respectable collision would be one in which you tuck your arm in and lead with the shoulder into the catcher's chest, touch the plate and wait for the safe/out call, then just walk to the dugout. If you do that, then generally nobody will have any issues as it is a clean play and just part of the game

*** American Legion Rules I am really not certain about as they tend to change their stance on issues every other year and also varies from state to state, so if someone knows for certain let me know.