Originally posted by Dakota
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Whatever confusion exists in the rules concerning when the runner can advance on a fly ball is entirely self-constructed, IMO. 8-4E says the runner is entitled to advance as soon as a caught fly ball is first touched. The only confusion here would be a self-made issue of "what if it is not actually caught?" Or, "what about uncaught fly balls?" Well, pause and think about that question. You are asking "when can a runner advance on a grounder?"
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And that question is answered in three of the four paragraphs preceding 8.4.E.
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The restriction on tagging up only exists if the fly ball is caught. Otherwise, it is a "grounder" and the runner can advance as soon as the pitch leaves the pitcher's hand (fast pitch) or as soon as the ball reaches the plate (slow pitch).
So, if the runner takes the gamble that the fly ball will not be caught, and it isn't caught, then he "may advance with liability!" And with a good jump, too.
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A runner can leave the base whenever they please. Whether it is legal or not is what is addressed by the rules.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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