runner stops going to first.....

[tw1ns]

didnt see the play myself. Different stories as to what exactly happend. What if the BR starts back towards home?

[TheShadowKnows]

Originally Posted by tw1ns

didnt see the play myself. Different stories as to what exactly happend. What if the BR starts back towards home?

As long as he's not out of the baseline and heading for the dugout, the first baseman better either make a tag, or take the out at first. This is not abandoning the base(yet).

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by TheShadowKnows

As long as he's not out of the baseline and heading for the dugout, the first baseman better either make a tag, or take the out at first. This is not abandoning the base(yet).

Remember there is a difference between the baseline and the runner's path to the base. However, in this case, they're probably pretty close the the same.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by TheShadowKnows

As long as he's not out of the baseline and heading for the dugout, the first baseman better either make a tag, or take the out at first. This is not abandoning the base(yet).

The baseline has not been established as no play has been attempted on the BR. Only when there is a play on the runner does the baseline come into the picture.

[johnnyg08]

He can go all the way back until he would touch or pass homeplate.

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by tw1ns

didnt see the play myself. Different stories as to what exactly happend. What if the BR starts back towards home?

tw1ns,

He's fine until he reaches the plate. Once he reaches the plate, he's out.

From the MLBUM:

NOTE: In situations where the batter-runner gets in a rundown between first and home, if the batter-runner retreats and reaches home plate, he shall be declared out.

I believe some softball codes treat this differently.

JM

[tw1ns]

thanks guys....i will pass it on to the rabid fans.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by tw1ns

thanks guys....i will pass it on to the rabid fans.

I've had the issue come up several times because as JM said, the softball rule where I don't think you can retreat. It's not the same rule, but many, many people don't know that.

But now you know, go get 'em.

[MD Longhorn]

First time I've heard fans wanting to apply a softball rule to baseball... usually it's the other way around.

[greymule]

Yes, ASA softball, BR out if he steps backward to avoid or delay a tag. I think Fed is the same. Note that the violation is treated as interference. And it applies only to the BR, not a runner forced from any base.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by greymule

Yes, ASA softball, BR out if he steps backward to avoid or delay a tag. I think Fed is the same. Note that the violation is treated as interference. And it applies only to the BR, not a runner forced from any base.

It is. Immediate dead ball; all runners return to TOP base.