Missing Home (or any base) after Walk-off HR

[BigUmp56]

In OBR once a runner has advanced to and touched a base beyond the missed base during a dead ball he cannot correct his error. He would be called out upon proper appeal. If he misses home and immediately scrambles back he must be put out with a tag, which obviously cannot happen since the ball left the playing field. However, if he leaves the immediate vicinity of the plate he can be called out on proper verbal appeal, although the umpire must put another ball back into play.


Professional Interpretation: This rule defines a runner's rights (1) when the ball is dead and (2) when it is alive. A runner has an obligation to touch bases in both dead ball and live ball situations. (See rule 7.05 End Notes) Once a runner has advanced and touched a base beyond his missed base in a dead ball situation, he may not legally return to touch the missed base. For the purpose of consistent interpretation, 6.08(c), 7.04(d), 8.05 A.R., the runner is considered to have "touched" the next base once he advances beyond it. If he does return in these cases, he shall be declared out on proper appeal. In live ball situations, a runner may return to touch any missed base as long as he retouches each base in order.


Tim.