missing homeplate (OBR)

[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by David Emerling
Strict OBR:

A runner misses home, enters the dugout, then immediately comes back out onto the field and retouches.

Subsequently, the defense appeals that the runner missed home.

Ruling?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Hmmmm. It depends what you mean by "Stict OBR:", David.

If you mean using the OBR rules without interpretation from any source:

• I believe a case could be made for abandonment of the base paths the moment the runner entered the dugout.

• I don't believe a case could be made for the expiration of the runner's right to correct his error because he voluntarily entered DBT - the dugout has always been a "special case" of DBT

If you mean using OBR rules with only the approved interpretations of MLB and NAPBL/PBUC:

• There has been a ruling from Cris Jones on behalf of the PBUC that the runner may return from the dugout to correct a base running error, provided only that he does so in a timely manner. A "timely manner" was left to umpire discretion.

• Actual text of ruling was:
  
  PBUC answer: If we were working for NAPBL as umpires; we would be instructed to allow the runner to come back out of the dugout to correct a baserunning mistake if he does it in a timely manner. Once he has walked away from the plate and/or gone into the dugout, the defense does not have to tag him. They need only appeal.
  
  The runner can come back out, but does NOT have to be tagged and he can't be in the dugout beyond a reasonable amount of time (umpire's judgment) and then come out.

In your case the runner returned immediately. That's allowed under the PBUC interpretation.

Hope this helps

Cheers