Tag up on foul ball not caught
 

On a foul ball not caught do runners that are on base have to touch the base they previusly ocupied before the next pitch is thrown?

I know they can't advance (thats a no brainer) but I say they must go back and touch the base, if they do not a base runner from first could go 89 feet (on the foul ball) and stand next to second (claiming thats his lead-off) then when the pitcher gets the ball they could just step on second.

You are correct. In OBR the rule is:

5.09 The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when --
(e) A foul ball is not caught; runners return. The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases;

However, in actual application, professional umpires routinely put the ball in play before runners actually retouch. This is common and accepted. The runners should at least be in "close vicinitY" to the base. So let's not be OOO on this.

Dave,

ctblu40 has provided you with the text of the appropriate (OBR) rule.

DG has provided you with a description of how the rule is properly applied. (In case you're wondering, "close vicinity" is solely a matter of the umpire's judgment.)

I am curious as to what prompted your question. Do tell.

JM

1) Note the absence of a penalty.

2) Note who has the responsibility to wait, therefore who is "at fault", if play is restarted before the retouch.

In reality, the 89 foot lead problem is satisfactorily fixed if the runners return to their normal lead off position and umpires handle it accordingly.

Agreed... I never require or even check to make sure the runners actually return to their bases. Just wanted everyone to know that... ;)

And that would most likely be the last game you umpire, so don't worry about it. ;)

And
 

Dave:

We know that the rule was written in the 1950's because the Pittsburg Pirates's Don Hoak was doing EXACTLY what you noted.

After an uncaught foul Hoak would stand 1' from the next base. As the ball was put in play he would simply step on that base and was "safe" on a steal of the base.

The rule was ammended during that week of the season.

Regards,