The thing could be booby-trapped. Once the ball stops, usually at the edge of the outfield grass, a posse forms. Mark McGwire and about five other players swarm after the ball, no matter where it's been hit. They arrive simultaneously in what begins to look like a rugby scrum. Soon, the dust clears, and the ball is tossed back to the coach.
Most kids run to first base and stop, awaiting further directions from their shouting mothers.
And at least one player tonight hit the ball, then ran into the infield to retrieve it. As the weeks go on, the coaches begin to employ strategy. The batter hits a grounder in Mark McGwire's direction. Remembering the instructions, Mark gathers the posse. Six fielders streak for third base.