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Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser
In major league baseball, of course.
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MLBUM does not use the word desertion, but gives examples of a B-R who goes to the dugout following a 3rd strike not caught. Reaching the dugout steps is considered the correct distance.
J/R uses the words "reasonable distance" under the desertion discussion.
A contradiction means there is a difference in interpretation. The contradiction appears to be the distance required to call the out, "reasonable distance" vs. "dugout steps".
Neither mentions a B-R who walks and does not touch 1B, but instead goes to the dugout steps to exchange helmet with a CR, most likely because this never happens in MLB, or any other level, except in this one example we are discussing. And I have never seen this happen. The B-R ALWAYS goes to 1b, stands on the base, and even after time is called and he can go to the dugout he stands there until the CR arrives.
So this is indeed a unique situation, and I would indeed call the B-R out for going to the dugout steps instead of going to 1B like he is supposed to. You would not and I respect your thoughts on that.
I also don't expect to ever have to apply this ruling because I have yet to see it happen.