I need a little help on this one.

[Gold_Spark]

Actually . . . just a confirmation from you guys.

This ruling concerns a runner running 3 feet off the baseline to avoid the tag.

The situation is so. The catcher is RECEIVING (ball is in flight) the ball several feet up the third base line and the runner moves more then 3 foot in distance off the baseline.

From there, the runner continues directly to home where the catcher is unable to make the tag.

My understanding is as follows. The baserunner may not run 3 foot away from a direct line between himself and the base he is proceeding to in order to avoid a tag. However, considering the catcher did NOT have the ball at the time the runner moved out . . . the runner merely re-established his baseline.

Could I get some response to this?

[GarthB]

Despite the rule book defining the runner's baseline as a direct path between the bases (one of several admitted errors in the book) you've got the essence of the rule.

And, you've answered your own question, more or less.

Did the runner leave the baseline by more than 3' to avoid a tag?

Yes? He's out.

No? He's not out.

On what do we base this decision? Your judgement.

From your description it sounds to me like the runner left the baseline to avoid colliding with the catcher who had not yet received the ball, thus could not be attempting a tag. Smart move. Good call.

Now then, if the catcher received the ball and attempted a swipe tag as the runner ran out of the baseline (despite your resistance, two seemingly simultaneous events) what would you have?

GB

[brandda]

The crux of it is: Was he moving out of the baseline to avoid the tag or avoid colliding with the catcher? If avoiding the tag, he's out. If avoiding the collision, he's safe. Your call.

[Gold_Spark]

So it all boils down to this mainly.

If the catcher did not have the ball when the runner moved out of baseline . . . the runner isn't out?

And if he does have the ball as the runner moves out of baseline . . . the runner IS out?

[blarson]

It sounds like you got the handle on this Sparky.

Also keep in mind that if the catcher did not have to be in that position to field the ball, you potentially have an obstruction call. If the runner had to veer around F2, and had time to get around him before the ball got there, I more than likely have OBS on this.

bob