I want to ask, when is it required to TAG a baserunner and when it is adequate to just step on the base. For example, on a steal, u need to tag the basestealer, but lets say a guy grounds out, u only need to toouch the base. When does it become a requirement to tag instead of touch? Of course, touchin the base is so much easier.....
2006-08-17 16:24:51 · 18 answers · asked by BroncosD 4 in Sports ➔ Baseball
You can get away with tagging the base when its a "force" out. That means the runner is in a position where all he can do is go to that base. In other words, someone is coming up behind him and he can't turn back.
So... you can tag 1st base to get a batter out. He obviously has to try for 1st, and can't turn around. You can tag 2nd base to get a runner going from 1st to 2nd if out if someone is headed to 1st. Turning around as the guy goes to 2nd isn't an option because the batter is headed to first. Two people can't be on the same bag. It works that way the whole way around the bases.
A second way you can tag the base is if a runner goes on a fly ball and the ball ends up getting caught. If they can get the ball to the base before the runner can get back to it, all they need to do is tag it.
If the runner is stealing, like you said, then yes... he needs to be tagged. He isn't being forced to that new base.
2006-08-17 16:27:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the situation actually. The issue of forced outs versus tagged outs even perplexes some of the most seasoned baseball players at times. If there is a runner on base, then an out may be made at the next base by touching the base or by tagging the runner out. For example, if there is a runner on first and a ground ball is hit to the first baseman, he can touch first to get the lead runner out then throw down to second base where the runner would have to be tagged out. If you get the out with the runner that originates from home, you have "removed the force" and the runner that is left has to be tagged out.
2006-08-17 23:30:47 · answer #2 · answered by Matt R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most answers have been half right.
When a runner is "forced" to a base, the base may be tagged for the out. If not "forced" you must tag the runner.
The other half is the "appeal play". On a missed base, or one left to soon, the fielder need only tag the base an indicate an appeal to the umpire. This can be done while the ball is live or dead.
A runner not tagging up on a caught fly ball is an example of the "live ball appeal".
2006-08-18 09:26:11 · answer #3 · answered by br549 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may tag the runner anytine he is off the base. To get an out by "touching" the base the runner must be forced to the base that you are touching. Forced by the fact that only 1 man may occupy a base at a time. So a man on 1st is forced to run to second when the batter hits a fair ball. The fielders may force him out at second or tag him before he gets there. A runner is only forced if the if the runner behind him is forced. A runner on second is not forced if no one is on first.
2006-08-17 23:34:54 · answer #4 · answered by fjrnj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you just step on the bag it is called a force out. this means that all previous bases are occupied. If not all of the prior bases were occupied, then you have to tag the runner because they have the option to go back. Example: Runners on 1st & 2nd and ball is hit to 3rd baseman. The runner on second must advance to third because he can not go back (the runner on first is forcing him to the next base). Example 2: Runner on second base and ball hit to third, runner has the option to stay at second or advance, so if he attempts to advance a tag must be applied to put him out.
2006-08-17 23:34:22 · answer #5 · answered by Alex B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think maybe the reason is because they only run if a guy isn't on base. So they usually have a better shot at getting the runner out by tagging them.
But then I really don't know - I can admit it, I fairly new to the game.
2006-08-17 23:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by just visiting 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are required to tag a runner only if it is not a forced out. The term forced means a situation in which a runner MUST advance to the next base because there is another runner behind him. If there is no other runner on the base immediately behind him, he does not have to run. Therefore, if he runs in an unforced situation a tag must be applied in order to count the runner as out.
2006-08-17 23:30:10 · answer #7 · answered by Y-Knot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only have to tag a runner when there is no force play.
That means that the base runner is forced to go to the next base by a following runner
2006-08-19 02:12:49 · answer #8 · answered by Ricky Lee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's a runner on first, he has to run. So if it's a ground ball to the second baseman, he can step on the base and throw to first for the double play. On the other hand, if it's runners on second and third, there's no force. You have to tag the runner on second, and the runner on third. You can always get the batter out by stepping on first, however if he's running towards second, third, or home, you have to tag him.
2006-08-18 08:24:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a batted ball is put into play (exception: infield fly rule), a runner on first base must attempt to advance to second base (to make room for the batter on first base). That means that if there is also a baserunner on second, he also must attempt to advance a base. Similarly, if there is also a baserunner on third (i.e., bases loaded), then that baserunner must attempt to reach home plate. Any of these baserunners will be called out if a fielder in possession of the ball steps on that runner's destination base before the runner reaches base.
This is commonly referred to as a "force out" because the runner who is forced to attempt to advance to make room for the batter at first base is called out.
2006-08-18 03:15:51 · answer #10 · answered by jimbob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋