Quote:
Originally posted by David Van Milligen
In the August 2000 Referee magazine on page 50 there is a list of 5 ways for a batter runner to be called out while running in the three foot runner's lane. Number 4 says a batter runner can be called out for retreating toward
home to delay or avoid a tag by a fielder. It reference rule 8-4-1h. I never heard of this, is it true?
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The rule reference given betrays that this is a FED (NFHS) ruling. It does NOT apply to games played strictly under OBR and its official interpretations. Under OBR the batter-runner may retreat toward home so long as he/she doesn't actually
reach home plate. If the batter-runner does reach home plate, for any reason, he/she should be called out for refusal to advance [OBR 4.09 PENALTY].
I don't believe the Jaksa/Roder concept of "desertion" [Chapter 6, B(2)(c)], which is derived from the OBR anyway, can be applied to a batter-runner who is actually retreating
along the base path. It only applies to a batter-runner who leaves the base path before reaching first base i.e. has "deserted" the line of advance or retreat.
This type of situation (retreating to avoid a tag) will normally occur in a run down. It is not appropriate under OBR to call out a batter-runner in a run down while that batter-runner remains on the base path, irrespective of the direction of travel at any given point in time. The defense can end the situation without penalty at any time by simply tagging first base for an out under OBR 6.05(j), so I'm afraid I can't see the FED rationale for apparently making this ruling unless they do NOT have an equivalent provision.
Cheers,
Warren Willson
[Edited by Warren Willson on Nov 28th, 2000 at 10:31 PM]