Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnyg08
Yeah, there is a retouch the base rule which was designed for this type of play...
|
NCAA and MLB rules do require a retouch but, in Fed, the rule does not require a "retouch", only a "return". (8-2-2)
The following Authoritative Opinion from Jim Evans as cited in the 2009 BRD is applicable for MLB and, by extension, Babe Ruth if that is the source of their core rules: "Professional umpires routinely put the ball back in play before runners actually retouch. As a matter of fact, many runners never actually retouch their original bases before the next pitch is delivered. This is a common and accepted practice in pro baseball. Umpires, however, are cautioned to make sure runners are back in the close vicinity of their original bases before they put the ball in play in accordance with Rule 5.11."
Follow-up question: What is the penalty if the runner does not retouch after a foul ball?