Running out of the basepath

[Dukat]

I want to see what everyone thinks about this very common situation that I have seen called both ways multiple times. This play happened at a game where my brother and I were calling last year and we still disagree on what the call should be. (NOTE: He made a call and I did not disagree with him on the field but we have discussed it together many times since when we see similar plays in our games) A runner coming home and is about 6-8 feet away from the catcher when she sees the catcher catch the ball. At that point the runner takes a huge turn around to go back to third but the catcher at that point is not close enough to attempt a tag but is running toward the runner. Do you call the runer out for being out of the basepath or not since she is not officially avoiding a tag yet?

[baldgriff]

She is returning to her previous base. Since there is no tag at the time I dont call anything.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by baldgriff

She is returning to her previous base. Since there is no tag at the time I dont call anything.

Yea, what he said.

[IRISHMAFIA]

The runner hasn't violated any rule, why would you call him/her out? Cannot avoid a tag that doesn't exist.

Add me to the "no call, play on" group.

[Dukat]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The runner hasn't violated any rule, why would you call him/her out?

I wouldn't which is my point

But yet, time and time again, I see it called and justified by saying..."She ran 10 feet out of the baseline" And not only by rookies but by veteran umpires as well. And when I get there and make the no call everyone goes nuts wanting the call on the play. If this is not part of the "Myths" file then it should be.

[CecilOne]

My read is that the runner was avoiding a tag, but created a "base path" that went outside the norm. If she had no "base path" where she could be tagged, then anywhere she runs is in her "base path".

BUT, if we view a line from the point from where she was toward the plate/base as her intended "base path"; then was she or wasn't she leaving that intended "base path" to avoid a tag?

[Dakota]

Agreed. A runner is allowed to choose any base path the runner wants to follow. The runner could run a loop around the pitcher's plate on the way back if she chose. The only time this is a violation is if it is to avoid a tag. No tag being attempted, no violation.

Which way were you on this play?