Two men, same base???

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Bishopcolle

Don't remember the pro game, but a bunt to first trying to score the runner at 3rd is fielded by F3....he quickly heads to the plate and stops R1 who heads back to 3rd base, only to find R2 standing there....He does not step on the bag, but he gets very close and the BU calls him out on the tag...

Question: If R1 grabs the bag, and R2 stays on it too....who is ruled out on a double tag? Does R1 have to vacate? or R2?
What is the mechanic?

Your question is a little confusing because normally, it would be R3 who is on third. And, when you say "He does not step on the bag" are you referring to R1/R3 or R2? You also don't specify if there was a runner at first to start the play.

In any event -- if there's a force, then the base belongs to the trail runner -- R2 in this instance. R3 is out.

If there's no force, then the base belongs to the lead runner -- R3 in this instance. R2 is out.

[Bishopcolle]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Your question is a little confusing because normally, it would be R3 who is on third. And, when you say "He does not step on the bag" are you referring to R1/R3 or R2? You also don't specify if there was a runner at first to start the play.

In any event -- if there's a force, then the base belongs to the trail runner -- R2 in this instance. R3 is out.

If there's no force, then the base belongs to the lead runner -- R3 in this instance. R2 is out.

Thanks to all three for the responses....I saw this in a game as mentioned (R3 called out for not being on the bag--he was not forced to vacate). I had a major discussion with two Senior Varsity officials who at first were adamant that BOTH were safe....Whoa!!! I quickly got them to see that at least one had to be out, I just wasn't sure which one, and I am away from the rule books on travel, so I couldn't research it....Thanks for the GREAT clarifications!!!!!!