baseline

[SC Ump]

Originally posted by cmtsguy22
... what is the actual baseline?

I agree with the other two postings. The direct line between the two bases means nothing.

When a fielder has the ball and positions themself to make the play, where is the runner? They can be anywhere in live ball territory, it does not matter. Note where the runner is. Then, imagine a direct line between the runner and the base. If the runner tries to avoid the tag by going more than 3 feet outside that imaginary line you just defined, the runner is out. (Obviously they can retreat to the previous base as long as they have passed 1B.)

A good measurement of what is three feet is the length of an outstretched arm. So if a fielder is directly between the runner and a base, the runner is most likely out if they go around the fielder.