WS: Out of the Running Lane

[Crabby_Bob]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Correct call by pro rules. A BR is allowed to exit the lane for the last step in order to touch first base as an exception to the runner's lane rule. But that last-step exception does NOT apply to a BR who runs the whole way to first outside the lane.

Exactly my thoughts. Here is the rule from OBR:

5.09 Making an out
(a) Retiring the batter
11) In running the last half of the distance from home base to
first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he
runs outside (to the right of ) the three-foot line, or inside
(to the left of ) the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment
in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at
first base, in which case the ball is dead; except that he
may run outside (to the right of ) the three-foot line or
inside (to the left of ) the foul line to avoid a fielder
attempting to field a batted ball;

Rule 5.09 (a)(11) Comment:
The lines marking the three-foot
lane are a part of that lane and a batter-runner is required to
have both feet within the three-foot lane or on the lines mark-
ing the lane. The batter-runner is permitted to exit the three-
foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the imme-
diate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first
base.

The talking heads and most of the youtube sheep don't understand.