MOofficial,
After a foul ball, any runners must return to the vicinity of their TOP base before the ball is put in play. Whether they actually touch the base or not is immaterial.
From OBR:
Quote:
5.09 The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when—
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(e) A foul ball is not caught; runners return. The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases;
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From the JEA discussion of 5.09(e):
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Customs and Usage: 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 base 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.
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JM
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Finally, be courteous, impartial and firm, and so compel respect from all.
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