2 outs defense leaves field...call?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by rybo

I solo umpired a 14U JO game. Situation runners on first and second, 1 out...runner on second tries to steal 3rd gets thrown out defensive runs off the field they think it is 3 outs. Runner on first waits with first base coach and then they start to run off the infield, runner gets two steps beyond 3rd base foul line...not out of play. Third base coach asks me "umpire two outs right?" I say, for both sides to hear, "YES and ball is in play" (ball laying on the ground in pitchers circle). Runner starts back to first base and makes it back safely. Defensive team trys to come back on the field and tag out the runner. Defensive team claims the runner is out for running out of the base line.

No such rule

I deny it and say your team left the field there was no play on her and she was not out. In my rules review I found ASA section 8 RUNNER IS NOT OUT. B "When a runner does not run in a direct line to a base, provided the fielder in the direct line does not have the ball in their possession". Any thoughts in confirmation to what I called or otherwise will be appreciated.

See above. A runner is only out for leaving the basepath by more than 3 feet when a tag is being attempted.

Also by rule 8 B the runner could have run from the third base foul line direct to second base?

She could have run out and high-fived the CF and then proceeded to 2B if she wanted.

[MD Longhorn]

I don't think I'd rule the runner had missed bases regardless of her path, even if directly over third ... possibly even if she TOUCHED third. It seems clear she was not running the bases.

I've seen this happen on occasion where the runner (or coach) realizes what's happening and the runner walks slowly to 2nd, 3rd so as to not draw attention. I don't believe I've ever seen her get all the way home before the defense noticed though.

[JefferMC]

My only comment here is that 2B may have been closer than 1B and just as valid a destination. DMR.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

My only comment here is that 2B may have been closer than 1B and just as valid a destination. DMR.

Not entirely sure what you mean by this.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Not entirely sure what you mean by this.

He means that when the runner realized there were only 2 outs and needed to return to her base, she could have returned to 2B instead of 1B, and that was probably even closer to where she was. Stolen base + less chance to be tagged...

[youngump]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

I don't think I'd rule the runner had missed bases regardless of her path, even if directly over third ... possibly even if she TOUCHED third. It seems clear she was not running the bases.

I've seen this happen on occasion where the runner (or coach) realizes what's happening and the runner walks slowly to 2nd, 3rd so as to not draw attention. I don't believe I've ever seen her get all the way home before the defense noticed though.

If a runner ran from 1st to 3rd touched 3rd and then ran straight back to first, you'd deny the appeal at 2nd?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by youngump

If a runner ran from 1st to 3rd touched 3rd and then ran straight back to first, you'd deny the appeal at 2nd?

Well, there was a reason for the "possibly"... My initial thought is that she wasn't really running the bases at all, and just happened to touch 3rd. However, I'm now waffling in my head over whether I would ignore that or not.