Runner Passes Another Runner on HR
 

Other thread kind of got me thinking (whole reason I joined this board!).

On a HR if a runner passes another runner do you have an out? Or does that rule apply only on a live ball situation?

That rule (8-7-D) does not specify that the ball must be live, so the runner would be out.

Consider the basic precept that runners must follow all baserunning rules on all awarded bases, same as when running at risk. This means touching all bases, returning to retouch when necessary, touching in appropriate order, no illegal assistance, no passing other runners.

This happened in an LSU vs McNeese State game this year. Of course,
all umpires were looking away. :D

Good thinking.

What if this is a SP game (say, Co-Ed)? The runners are not required to run the bases, and all appeals on missed bases are off. However, if the runners decide to run the bases and one passes another, would you still call it?

I believe a clarification came out that you cant have appeal plays in that situation... I would think that could also apply to this. But I definitely could be wrong.

True, but runners passing each other is not an appeal play, it's a baserunning responsibility. The question is more: On a home run in SP, are all of the baserunning responsibilities off?

I'd say yes, if you dont have to run the bases(or just touch the next base), then there are NO baserunning responsibilities....

One of the dumbest things I've ever heard of in softball!

No, nor should you even consider it.

If they do not have to run, I would say the play is over when the ball is gone. Let's say the hitter wants to run it out, but the other 3 guys on base don't and come walking in. You can't hold one runner to one rule and the others to another.

I might warn the batter for delaying the game if anything.

True, its not an appeal play. I would think the same line of thinking would apply though.

In 1931, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth were tied for the American League lead in home runs with 46 each. I believe they were playing in Philadelphia, when Gehrig hit what should have been his 47th with a runner on base. He was running with his head down, and when he heard the crowd roar, he mistakenly assumed that the ball was caught, and continued into the 3B dugout. In doing so, he passed the runner, who had slowed down to watch the flight of the ball, and was called out. Thus missing out on a chance to beat the Babe for the HR title.

Bob