Babe Ruth - Base on Balls

[Duke]

Just started working Babe Ruth this year after working softball for 10 years. Another coverted softball ump had to make this call and wanted to know my opinion.
Batter received ball four and runs down to first, overruns first base, turns into foul territory and returns to the bag. No attempt to go to second. Pitcher fires ball to first to tag the runner. Ump calls the runner safe and defensive coach explodes saying the runner is only protected to first base. In softball, runner is safe. Can a batter/runner overrun first on a base on balls in Babe Ruth. I cannot find this situation in the rule book.

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Duke
Just started working Babe Ruth this year after working softball for 10 years. Another coverted softball ump had to make this call and wanted to know my opinion.
Batter received ball four and runs down to first, overruns first base, turns into foul territory and returns to the bag. No attempt to go to second. Pitcher fires ball to first to tag the runner. Ump calls the runner safe and defensive coach explodes saying the runner is only protected to first base. In softball, runner is safe. Can a batter/runner overrun first on a base on balls in Babe Ruth. I cannot find this situation in the rule book.

You can't find it because it's not in the rule book.

Some OBR authorities say the runner can overrun, some say they can't.

It's specifically allowed ion NCAA and LL; specifically disallowed in FED.

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Tim C
Please help me on this FED play:

(snip)

So we have a disconnect if in FED a player cannot overrun first on a walk.

Tee

I agree -- I was just giving the FED rulebook answer.

I've never seen it, but the way I'd approach it at all levels is -- if there's a reason to run to first (liable to be out at first), then allow the overrun -- as in your play.

If it's just a run-of-the-mill walk, don't.

[DownTownTonyBrown]

Surely there is time for the umpire to give the appropriate strike signal or call ball... before the runner gets to first.

Of course the runner wouldn't be aware of your call unless your BALL call was PLENTY LOUD.

Tim, do these disconnections come to you spontaneously or do you dream about them? And they are always posed so innocently... perhaps you are taking a poll.

Just a little fun pokin' But it just means that you are ready when the situation rises. Good job. We should all learn from your example.

[Duke]

Ok. So this is not covered in the Babe Ruth rule book. So how do I get an answer as to whether the runner is safe or out in the case of overrunning on a base on balls and being tagged? Not sure that I have even seen this before but it has happened at least this once on would like to make the right call. Any help would be appreciated.

[Rich Ives]

Contact Babe Ruth HQ to see how they interpret the rule. Your UIC should have the e-mail address for umpire questions.

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Duke

Batter received ball four and runs down to first, overruns first base, turns into foul territory and returns to the bag. No attempt to go to second. Pitcher fires ball to first to tag the runner. Ump calls the runner safe and defensive coach explodes saying the runner is only protected to first base. In softball, runner is safe. Can a batter/runner overrun first on a base on balls in Babe Ruth. I cannot find this situation in the rule book.

As others mentioned you will not find it in the rule-book and even the experts disagree on the interpretation.

Here's my view for what it's worth.

Why did the rule-makers (in all 3 Major rule rule-books) allow B1 to overrun first base to begin with.

ANSWER: To put some excitement in the game and Make the play close If a runner could NOT overrun first, the Defense would gain a BIG advantage because the runner would have to slow down in order to not risk over-running the base.

Now we get to ball 4, or to be more SPECIFIC a FREE PASS to first base where the term making a play close does not come into play. If you receive a free pass there's no reason to over-run it unless you are trying for the next base.

In FED as Bob pointed out on a NORMAL walk situation B1 may not over-run first. OBR is up in the air depending upon what source (Evans or J/R) you use and in NCAA/LL you can overrun first on a walk.

I believe Babe Ruth uses OBR (but I have been told some use FED rules as well), so if your Babe Ruth League uses OBR, then as Rich stated you need to contact the rules interpreter for your Babe Ruth league to get an answer.

If your Babe Ruth League uses FED then you cannot over-run first on a Normal Walk situation.

Pete Booth