Exact timing on force play

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by bsaucer

1. I was comparing the play to the one where a runner may leave his base after a fly ball is touched by a fielder, even if it is subsequently caught by another fielder.

If the runner couldn't leave on the touch, the fielder could "juggle" the ball all the way to the infield, thus preventing the advance. An infielder on a force play, can't get that same advantage.

And, the out at first isn't a force play.

[CoachPaul]

2nd, 3rd, and home are eligible for force plays. The BR is simply put out before reaching first base. The BR does the forcing. He is not forced. Think about the rule for scoring runs on plays where the third out is recorded. It talks about force plays and/or the BR being out before reaching first.