I have called batter/runners out in the following situation in the past as
has many of my colleagues. But in a past news letter I received from the
Little League Umpire Registry this situation came up and the batter/runner
was not called out. Now I am confused and looking for some clarification.
Little League, Fast pitch softball, 0 or 1 outs. Batter takes ball 4 and
is awarded 1st base. As the batter trots to first the catch returns the
ball to the pitcher in the 8 ft circle. As the batter/runner gets to 1st
she turns toward 2nd base and takes 1 step off the bag and looks back to
see where the ball and pitcher are, or where a play may be taking place at
that time.
At this point I have called that runner out if she returns to 1st base,
thinking that by taking that 1 step she has made a move or committed to 2nd
base. But now I am thinking she still has an option to go to 2nd or return
to 1st providing it is done immediately. Anybody have a clear call on this?
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