[Tom H.]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

Batter runner hits a groundball, slides into first base, beats the throw, then his foot comes off the base while his body is facing home plate. 1st baseman has the ball in his glove and foot on the bag. Is this a force out now that the batter runner has come off the bag?

0 out, R1. Ground ball is hit to the second baseman, who throws to 2nd but
R1 beats the throw there. As the shortstop comes off the bag to throw the ball back to the pitcher, the runner starts trotting back to first base. The shortstop steps on the bag with the ball. Is the runner out on the force?

In the first one, I would not consider it a "Force Play" (Ref: Rule 2.0 Force Play) and require a tag of the runner.

In the second, I would consider it a "Force Play" (again see Rule 2.0 --

A FORCE PLAY is a play in which a runner legally loses his right to occupy a base

by reason of the batter becoming a runner.) as R1 has no where to retreat to.

OK Guys.....tear me up!