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.