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I think the current wording is neither a misprint nor oversight. I think it reads exactly as the rules makers intended. The rule simply represents an oversight that has been rectified through tradition. A practical application of the rule has evolved but I'm not so sure the current way it is applied is necessarily what was originally intended.
I don't think the rules makers envisioned a fielder going out to tag a runner who strayed 30-feet out of the baseline (i.e. a straight line between the bases).
Example: R1 takes his leadoff 30-feet out into right field. The pitcher throws over to F3 who then goes out to tag R1 who is holding his ground in shallow right.
The current application of this rule permits this. Since there is now a play being made on R1 he must stay within 3-feet of a line between his current position and 1st base and his current position and 2nd base.
When this rule was first crafted, I'll bet you they (whoever they were) would say that this runner is out and F3 has no obligation to go out there to tag R1.
I could be wrong ... this is just a hunch. I wouldn't be too quick to classify it as a misprint or mistake - an "oversight" is probably more accurate.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN
[Edited by David Emerling on Jul 19th, 2005 at 12:58 AM]
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