Confused Batter

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by alblueboy

One more question. Dropped 3rd strike. BR goes to 1st. Catcher returns ball to pitcher. No play is made on the runner, but the runner looks back and thinks she is out. She steps off the base to go to her dugout.

Do we call her out on a LBR violation,even though we know she only came off only because she "thought" she was out? .... when in fact she was safe???

Would you call time and inform her that the ball wasn't caught and she was safe at 1st?

To me this is a depends on the level of play question. MS/JV ball, I am not calling the runner out if it is obvious that confusion caused the runner to leave first base after arriving. Many times (including many of my games this season), the players are new to the game, and really don't know better. (And so are the coaches)

If we are getting to Varsity or college level ball I have an out. At this level you need to have the experience to know if you are called out or not.