Look Back Rule..

[THREE]

Runner on 3rd. Ball four on batter. Batter/runner runs towards 1st and does not stop and continues on towards 2nd...with no throw from the pitcher to 2nd. Question: can the runner on 3rd remain "off" the 3rd base bag untill the batter/runner reaches 2nd, or does the 3rd base runner have to go back to the bag as soon as the batter runner reaches/passes 1st...i.e. the LBR does not start untill the batter/runner reaches 1st.
Thanks

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by THREE

Runner on 3rd. Ball four on batter. Batter/runner runs towards 1st and does not stop and continues on towards 2nd...with no throw from the pitcher to 2nd. Question: can the runner on 3rd remain "off" the 3rd base bag untill the batter/runner reaches 2nd, or does the 3rd base runner have to go back to the bag as soon as the batter runner reaches/passes 1st...i.e. the LBR does not start untill the batter/runner reaches 1st.
Thanks

As soon as BR touches 1st, the LBR applies - which means your runner "off" third must either go forward or go back, assuming the pitcher is not making a play or faking a play on either runner.

[CecilOne]

Here is an example of following the spirit of the rule and not using it as a "gotcha". A BR who happened to be the batting team catcher, reached 1st safely and the ball was in control in the circle. Then the runner on 1st, expecting a CR as usual, stepped off the base, then back on when the coach said something. Could have been called out, but not in the spirit or intent of the rule.

[MJT]

We are considering "faking a throw" as not just raising the ball, but moving it forward. What are you doing to constitute a fake?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MJT

We are considering "faking a throw" as not just raising the ball, but moving it forward. What are you doing to constitute a fake?

In ASA, it must be an attempt to retire a runner or BR. IOW, if the movement could not reasonably lead to a possible out, it is not a play.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

In ASA, it must be an attempt to retire a runner or BR. IOW, if the movement could not reasonably lead to a possible out, it is not a play.

Not sure where you got that..

Since you are a guru, I'll await clarification in hopes of learning something.

In my view, "faking a throw", whether they move the ball or not, most definitely takes off LBR for the moment.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but I dont see where "reasonably lead to a possible out" comes into play.

Pitcher wants her LBR protection, pitcher does nothing.

Thats LBR.

[WestMichBlue]

Originally Posted by MJT

We are considering "faking a throw" as not just raising the ball, but moving it forward. What are you doing to constitute a fake?

An umpire judgment of a pitcher's actions does not define a play on the runner. We are asked to judge whether or not a runner reacted to the pitcher's actions (ASA RS 34-J).

If a pitcher takes a quick "jab step" in the direction of the runner, even with the ball at her side, you may not define that as a "play." But if the runner reacts to that motion, you may have cause to remove the LBR temporarily.

WMB