When is a Runner "Between" Bases?

[tommyleo]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

The basepaths form a square. At each vertex, there's a 90 degree area bounded by the lines from the square, extended outward - anyone in that area is "on" the base wrt passing.

If I am understanding your explanation here, perhaps the ump did indeed make the correct call because he ruled that Reyes was still "on" third base due to Reyes' position on the field (just beyond and just behind third base -- which would be in that "area" you detailed). So when Lawrie was standing on third base and tagged, Lawrie was correctly ruled out even though Reyes was not in contact with the bag?

Is your interpretation of that specific area ("bounded by the lines from the square, extended outward") detailed in any rule book? Or is it a reasonable interpretation of existing rules to fit this kind of situation?

Thanks.

[bob jenkins]

The umpire called the trailing runner out based on his perception at the time that both runners were ON the base when the trailing runner was tagged. He then called out the lead runner for being tagged while he was (then) of the base.

Upon further review, he kicked the call. :shrug:

[tommyleo]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

The umpire called the trailing runner out based on his perception at the time that both runners were ON the base when the trailing runner was tagged. He then called out the lead runner for being tagged while he was (then) of the base.

Do you know that for sure? I had been looking for an explanation of the call from the ump (to see if he kicked it or had a legitimate rationale), but found nothing. If you found an explanation from the ump or the league, please share. Thanks.

[bob jenkins]

I haven't talked to the umpire himself, of course, but I believe the sources I have.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by tommyleo

If I am understanding your explanation here, perhaps the ump did indeed make the correct call because he ruled that Reyes was still "on" third base due to Reyes' position on the field (just beyond and just behind third base -- which would be in that "area" you detailed). So when Lawrie was standing on third base and tagged, Lawrie was correctly ruled out even though Reyes was not in contact with the bag?

Is your interpretation of that specific area ("bounded by the lines from the square, extended outward") detailed in any rule book? Or is it a reasonable interpretation of existing rules to fit this kind of situation?

Thanks.

First... don't mix the passing rules and the two runners on a base rule - they are not meant to go together.

Second - I've heard equally knowledgeable and equally talented clinicians preach both of the methods I've described. I don't think either is universal by any stretch. Neither are detailed in the rulebook - the rulebook merely says "passes" or "past" and clarifies with "completely".

The scenario we're discussing happens so very rarely it's not worth clarifying.