Over-Runs First...Attempts Second
 

After batter beats out a bobbled infield dribbler up the third baseline and over-runs first base, he begins his walk back to the bag. He looks in at the ball still in the catchers hand, looks at second, *takes a long hard stride toward second*, then continues his meander back to first. He's tagged before reaching the bag, but no, Not out says Ump. "Runner was never in fair territory." Hmm.

Now, I'm not a Real Ump, just a summer volunteer for a community league...but I do read this board often....and I think I know this one. Let's see: it does NOT matter if runner turns left or right; it does NOT matter if runner is in fair or foul territory; it does NOT matter if he walks, jogs, or sprints; the only judgement is whether runner "makes an attempt" to advance to second. The attempt could be as little as one stride, or a basketball-style jab step, or a few steps of slow wander towards second, etc.

Do I have this one right?

The umpire blew the explanation when he said he was safe because he was never in fair territory. The rule is that the batter-runner must immediately return to first after over running or over sliding the bag. He can turn left or right on his way back, be in fair or foul territory, but any attempt toward second puts him in jeapordy of being put out. You've got it right based on what I've read.

7.08(c) Any runner is out when he is tagged, when the ball is alive, while off his base. EXCEPTION: A batter-runner cannot be tagged out after overrunning or oversliding first base if he returns immediately to the base.


Tim.

"Do I have this one right?"

Only if you protested.