[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim Porter:
[b]Uh-oh, Warren. I disagree with something you said.
(2)If the runner attempts to return within a reasonable time, even after entering the dugout, he must be tagged for the "Out!" [Unrelaxed action]
Whether or not the runner must be tagged when returning, or whether the plate can be tagged, has nothing to do with a, "reasonable time." The question only comes down to whether the runner immediately returned to the plate or not.
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Jim:
Your piece is great, and it reflects correctly the authoritative opinion of the J/R and the JEA. In this instance authoritative opinion has been superseded.
As you may have forgotten, there is now an official ruling in that area from the PBUC, which says exactly what Warren wrote: The umpire is to judge how long the runner may tarry away from the plate before returning. It is entirely umpire discretion. (Cris Jones for the PBUC, eteamz, 5/2/00)
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Papa C
Editor, eUmpire
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