Walk-off walk

[aceholleran]

I was BU, and we had a "walk-off walk" last night. 2 outs, BTW.

B1, though neglected to run to first. Instead he celebrates with his teammates, after R3 touches the dish. Keeping 4.09(b) in mind, I am watching all of this. Now, F2 tries tags B1 as he runs to and touches first.

Then I exit the field. In the lot, a surprisingly reasonable losing coach asks me for an explanation. I said, "You can't tag the batter before he gets to first--it was a walk." Then I got creative. "In fact the only way you can get an out on the batter here is if he enters the dugout."

I realize the rule states "refuses to touch first."

Anybody have opinions on how I should have stated this to the coach? I am still thanking St. Bill Klem that B1 touched first.

Ace