Top Baseball/Softball Rules Myths, 2012 Edition

[IRISHMAFIA]

#20 Tie goes to the runner. FALSE in reality, even if it may be true in theory. The rules states that a runner is out if he/she or the base he/she is forced be touched before he/she reaches such a base. Literally translating that rule, it can be argued that if the defense and the runner reach the base simultaneously, then runner is safe since the defense did not reach the base before the runner. Thus, the often misquoted rule, “Tie goes to the runner” is brought up. In reality, though, it is impossible to judge a true tie, and an umpire should determine if the runner beat the defense or if the defense beat the runner.

I believe it is not theory, true in fact. It is the defense's responsibility to put the runner out, not for the runner to be the defense. Rules require the defense to put out the runner before they reach 1B, therefore if the umpire does perceive the action to be simultaneous, the umpire is required to rule the runner safe.