[Rich Ives]

A lot of people accept urban legends as true. Doesn't make them true.

Evans should read his own book. In the JEA it says:

"Historical Notes: The game was originally designed to be played at a faster pace than the game we know today. Following a dead ball, umpires traditionally put balls into play sooner than they do today; and a runner who failed to return to his base before being tagged after a foul ball was liable to be put out. In 1887, runners were relieved of the responsibility of running while returning as long as they did not "unnecessarily delay the game."

"Professional Interpretation: Technically speaking, the umpire is at fault for ever putting a ball back in play before runners legally retouch their bases. However, to expedite play, this is done frequently."

So obviously the need to return was in place LONG before Hoak was born.