Runners on first and second

[mbyron]

Originally posted by grgcdp1
why would the runner have to return to second base. if the runner on first was called out for illegal slide it doesnt make tha a delayed dead ball or a dead ball. he should have a right to stay at thrid.

The rationale for sending all runners (who are not out) back to their time-of-pitch bases is this: when the offense commits a major violation like interference, they should not benefit as a team in any way.

If we didn't send runners back, teams would adopt interference as a kind of sacrifice strategy, like a fielder's choice.