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Tim -
I don't thnk I used the term "legal lead". The original post cited the runner as walking towards the foul pole. This implies that the runners back is turned to the infield and he is not concerned with what is happening behind him. This could constitute abandonment. He is not attempting to get a "lead" and he is not returning to a base. If he is on the foul side of the line he is clearly walking away from 2nd. If he is on the fair side he could be getting a lead. It depends on the angle he is taking in his walk. If he continues towards the foul pole though, there is again, no attempt to advance.
If he is backing out of the infield, this would change things. He is now concerned with what is happening so I would be more lenient with where he goes. If he continues to back away from the infield and into foul territory, I could then call abandonment.
The key to me in this situation is, "Which way is he moving?", somewhat towards 2nd or away. If away then I could call abandonment.
This is one of those "had to be there's".
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