[Tru_in_Blu]

We've had some learnings recently in our local men's SP wreck league. One of these regards baserunning responsibilities when a batter hits an over the fence HR.

In a game this week, the defense wanted to appeal the BR missing HP on his HR. I said it didn't matter, he didn't actually need to run the bases and any appeals for missed bases was eliminated by the HR. I heard all kinds of various and sundry rules from other associations/leagues/umpire rulings, etc. about what I should have done, including possibly protesting the game should it happen again.

Various rule references for ASA:

Rule 8, Section 3

I. Awarded bases must be touched in legal order.

EXCEPTION: All Adult Slow Pitch. (This does not apply to Senior’s Play.) On any fair batted ball hit over the fence for a home run or on a four base award, the batter and all runners are credited with a run. The batter and any runners on base are not required to run the bases. This eliminates any appeal play on runners.

Then, via e-mail, I was asked:
"So, since batters do not need to run the bases and therefore a runner cannot be penalized for missing a bag, doesn't this mean that all base running rules are null and void when a hitter hits a homerun?"

I'm not sure yet whether this is a simple inquiry/confirmation, or if I'm being baited with a trick red herring.

Looking some more at the baserunning responsibilities, I came across:

Rule 8, Section 3

D. A runner shall not run the bases is reverse order to confuse the fielders nor to make a travesty of the game.
Effect: The ball is dead and the runner is out.

Now if a runner who was on 2B at the time of the HR decides to head back to the 1B dugout, I wouldn't consider that running in reverse order. But if the batter decided to take his jaunt starting with 3B instead of 1B, I might have an issue with that.

Does this action "make a travesty of the game"? The ball is dead once it clears the OF fence, so no calling the ball dead again. If the ball has become dead upon the HR, and the batter is credited with a run, can he be called out? If called out, does it cancel the run? If he can't be called out, ejected for UC?

I think the only time I might actually see something like this is if there was an intense dislike between the two teams involved, or a particular player who was being a real jerk.

Just curious as to what opinions you guys might have on this.

Thanx.