Runner Missing 1st base on a force play

[Rich Ives]

UmpJordan wrote:

"There is clearly a difference between a missed base and a missed base with a force play being made. In a missed base situation in which the runner is not forced to that base if there was a play on the runner it would be an easy call based on a tag. However in this situation the original question was if a runner must touch the base to be called safe during a force play and a throw to the base. Should the umpire say what gets to the base first the runner or the ball or should he ask what crosses the base first? (does it matter in a force play if the base is missed?)"

Try this Approved Ruling in 4.09

"Approved Ruling: Following runners are not affected by an act of a preceding runner unless two are out. Example: One out, Jones on second, Smith on first, and batter, Brown, hits home run inside the park. Jones fails to touch third on his way to the plate. Smith and Brown score. The defense holds the ball on third, appeals to umpire, and Jones is out. Smith's and Brown's runs count."

Note that Jones failed to touch third base - a base to which he was forced. The AR STILL requires an appeal.


Also, go read 7.10(b) again. Nowhere does it say "unless forced."


[Edited by Rich Ives on Aug 8th, 2004 at 10:04 PM]