When can a runner leave the base?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Russell1027
IMHO - the ASA rule book definition should be further clarified.

case in point - the definition of a catch is a legally caught ball which occurs when the fielder cathes a batted, pitched or thrown ball with the hand(s) or the glove.

Rule 8 section 4 states - runners are entitled to advance with liability to be put out - when a legally "caught" fly ball is first touched by any defensive player.

food for thought - if you have a bobbled ball in the outfield - the base runner(s) couldn't advance until the defender had possesion - i.e. legally caught ball.

We agree that when "first touch" happens, runners can advance.

We agree that the intent of the rule is to keep some juggling centerfielder from making his way from the fence all the way into secondbase thus keeping people from advancing (sideshow at some freakshow carnival) ..

we also agree that the runners can advance at the first touch of a illegally caught ball too.

Just making a comment that the ASA rule book should be changed to read - runners can advance upon contact of the ball with any part by a defender whether legally or illegally attempting to catch a fly ball.

my first post on the the forum... How did I do??

Russell,

Welcome to the board.

ASA attempts to be as brief as possible. I think the wording is just fine. It specifically addresses the situation in which the play would come under scrutiny. After all, if the ball isn't caught, it doesn't make a bit of difference when it was first touched or not.