Abandonment?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Manny A

That's why I put "force" in quotes. I realize a BR isn't forced at first base by definition.

But for all intents and purposes, the BR's status as she runs to first is the same as any other runner being forced to a base. In fact, it's even more restrictive (e.g., she can't reverse course when being tagged, she can't hinder a throw to the base while running outside a defined lane, etc.) So I respectfully disagree that she doesn't reinstate her requirement to go to first base should she mistakenly start returning to home.

After all, where else can she legally run to? The reason a force is reinstated on other runners is because they aren't entitled to anything else. The same is the case with the BR at first. It may not technically be a force play, but why treat it any differently?

AFAIC, you are making my case.

She is not the same as a runner. A runner always has a base to which she can return and be safe. The BR has no place which to return, she MUST go to 1B or risk being put out. By definition, once the BR reaches 1B safely, she is a runner and has various options. Once a player becomes a runner, there is no allowance returning her to BR status.

Has it not been established that a runner may take any path they choose? The newly ordained runner has the option of advancing to 2B or returning directly to 1B. If they select the first option, they have placed themselves in jeopardy and must be tagged off the base to be retired. If taking the latter option, 8.8.I provides the protection from liability to be put out. If the runner does not return directly, IMO, the runner surrenders the protection afforded under Rule 8.8 and the runner may now be put out.

Say this runner thought she was out, headed toward the 3B dugout and was crossing the IF near the circle and all of a sudden there was the realization she was still a live runner and headed for 2B. Are you going to call her out on appeal if the defense tags 1B? Again, is it not true the runner may establish her own base path? And if the runner wants to circle 1B prior to heading to 2B, under what rule do you call them out if they are not avoiding a tag?

I believe you are overthinking and trying to jam multiple rules together to satisfy what you perceive is a hole in the rules when there is no rule intended to be there.