You make the call - double base

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Here is the response I received:

Mike,

Thanks again for your question.

Although the play is rare, it certainly does happen.

Using Rule 8 Section 2M3 we see the problem and the answer. It states: "Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white portion and the batter-runner the colored portion of the base.

The effect tells us that the batter-runner is out ......providing the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base. It goes on to say that .."Once the runner returns to the white or colored portion of the base, no appeal can be made".

By definition, a runner is ..."an offensive player who has reached first base, and not yet been put out". Once the batter-runner reached first base, they became a runner, and have the right to return to either the white or colored portion. Using the above rule references the appeal could not be allowed, and the runner would be safe.

Some answer, begging the question of the need for a double bag.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

Some answer, begging the question of the need for a double bag.

The need for the double-base is a direct result of today's coaches, from t-ball to NCAA Div I, either ignoring 1B as a skill position or not caring enough to make sure the player knows how to play the position.

Watch the NCAA DI Softball Championships this coming week and see how many players play the position properly and how many run to the base, plop a foot on it and stretch for a throw before it is enroute.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The need for the double-base is a direct result of today's coaches, from t-ball to NCAA Div I, either ignoring 1B as a skill position or not caring enough to make sure the player knows how to play the position.

Watch the NCAA DI Softball Championships this coming week and see how many players play the position properly and how many run to the base, plop a foot on it and stretch for a throw before it is enroute.

My point was to the rule that requires a batter/runner to run to the colored bag when, in fact, he/she is really not required to do so. The defense has to use the white bag and if it does not, the batter/runner is safe. If the batter/runner hits the white he is out only on appeal, and no appeal is allowed in the OP on this thread.

Common sense takes a beating.