Double Play Question

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Rev.Ref63
I hope this isn't considered a "dumb question." I've always taught my children that the only dumb question is a questioned not asked.

My 16 year old son and I love to watch and play baseball. Recently, we were watching a Cub's game and my son noticed during a replay that the shortstop was not touching second base during a successful doubleplay. He was amazed that the umpire called the runner "out" when the defensive player was "off the bag" at second. I told him that I thought there was a "zone" that the defensive player must be in and did not have to literally "touch" second base.

Am I correct about this play or did the umpire on TV blow the call?

The rules require the player to touch the base.

The practice (at the MLB level) has been to allow the "neighboorhood play" especially if the play is smooth. The practice seems to be changing a little, given the vast number of games that are on TV and the many cameras used.