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njdevscup,

I'm not Ozzy, but no, the runner does not have to come back to the direct line between 1B and 2B in advancing if he takes a "45* degree lead" off of 1B.

With a very few exceptions (i.e. the "running start on a retouch" and "positioning to interfere with the fielder's vision" mentioned earlier in this thread, when avoiding a tag, and running in a way that interferes with a protected fielder's opportunity to field) the runner may take virtually any path he likes in advancing on the bases.

He can't abandon his effort to run, enter dead ball territory, nor illegally run the bases in reverse order.

Other than that, it's up to him and it's legal.

JM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Ozzy, a coach had asked me about any rule which dictates where the runner may lead. He explained a situation in which a coach had R1 lead at a 45 degree angle toward RF (I couldn't figure out why you'd want to do this)! Since I've never seen or heard of doing this, does R1 have to come in to re-establish the baseline between 1B and 2B on a batted ball?

That's what I wanted to know - BigUmp56 was right... the old "skunk in the outfield" play! There should have been another runner possibly R3?

Anyway, njdevs00cup, don't get hung up on the baseline crap unless the defense is trying to put out the runner (tag play usually). As long as the defense is not challenging the runner (with the ball in their possession, please), the runner can just about go where he wishes (except backward).

Regards