If a runner and the ball arrive at the same time, what rule in the rule book determines the runners fate?

Question

or better stated, how come there is no rule in the rule in the baseball rule book that states what to do with a runner and a ball arriving at the base at the same time.

Answer 1

It's up to the umpire. Usually the runner is "safe" unless the ball was clearly on base before the runner. Any doubts means the runner gets the benefit of the doubt.
Can't give you the rule- as it is now well over 10 years since I called a game

Answer 2

There is no rule written, un-written, or implied which says the tie goes to the runner. Nor are umpires "instructed" to give tie's to runner or fielder. "Ties" at a base can NOT occur! If they could then there would have to be a "do-over", which also doesn't exsist!

There are times when the ball and runner do arrive at the same time. The rules writers are very clear on this as has already been noted. If the fielder tags the base (or runner) BEFORE he reaches the base, he is out. This would mean if the fielder touches the base WHEN, or AFTER the the runner does, he is safe.

Baseball tends to get complicated when incorrect, or sandlot rules get thrown into the fray. The rules are clear. Some others that get muddled up are the dropped third strike (that should read uncaught, it can bounce and be handled by the catcher, it is still a D3K), hands are part of the bat (no the are not), a runner must slide, If a runner that turns left at first on the overrun has committed to second (not so), and such!

Answer 3

http://www.sdabu.com/mistakes_facts.htm


RULE FACTS: There is no rule. Rather, common sense and reality prevail. That is, a runner is either safe or out. He has either beat the throw or he hasn't. Period. Besides, it is impossible to determine whether or not there really was a "tie." And if an umpire can see that clearly, then, well---he should get himself a job as an umpire. Something To Consider: If an umpire explicitly states to the arguing defensive manager that he called the runner safe "Because there was a tie, and ties go in favor of the runner," then that manager has a legitimate right to protest---and will win that protest based on a misapplication of rules---or rather, "non" rules. (And, no, 9.01c does not apply here).


Having quoted the above, played the game and watched it for over 20 years... it is an unwritten rule - Tie goes to the runner.

Answer 4

Because, technically, "ties" are just about unheard of.

It is a myth that a tie goes to the runner. In fact, the mantra many successful umpires follow is "when in doubt, call 'em out." Although the batter-runner just called out on a bang-bang play may not agree at the time, most players and coaches prefer "out" calls on such close plays, because the calls keep the game moving.

Now, some people like to point to Rule 6.05(j), which states "A batter is out when after a third strike or after he hits a fair ball, he or first base is tagged before he touches first base."

"Aha!" People who read that rule say. "A tie would mean the base or batter-runner wasn't tagged BEFORE he reached the base!"

However, one thing you need to understand about the Official Rules of Baseball is that it is a patchwork of addendums and deletions over the last 100-plus years. Look at Rule 7.08(e): "Any runner is out when he fails to reach the next base before a fielder tags him or the base..."

Flip backward in the rule book to Rule 2.00 for the definition of a runner: "... any offensive player who is advancing toward, or touching, or returning to any base."

So Rules 6.05(j) and 7.08(e) contradict each other.

Answer 5

A tie goes to the runner, its an unwritten rule. Its just like tennis, if the opponent isn't sure if the ball is out, then they rule it as in and a point for the other player. The reason there is no 'official' rule is because long long time ago it was just understood and all the way up until now its just an 'understood' rule.

Answer 6

The runner isn't out, yet whilst he's the batter is credited with helpful. one occasion of helpful. 10.05a5 "(5) a honest ball that has no longer been touched via a fielder touches a runner or an umpire, till a runner is called out for having been touched via an Infield Fly, wherein case the valid scorer shall no longer score helpful; or" the rule does not prepare whilst no interference is called and the batter-runner is placed out.

Answer 7

The same could be said for a checked-swing being called a strike or not. It's a judgment call, in-so-much as a close play at a base. I think the umpires get the call right 95+% of the time - it makes the game human and unique in its own right. Over time, calls called right or wrong either way, get evened out.

I think a previous answer is correct, if the fielder makes a difficult or outstanding play, typically he will get the out call at a base on a close play.

Answer 8

Having umpired for over 20 years for H.S., NCAA and minor league ball - attending several major league umpire schools.
I have never been taught "Tie goes to the runner"
There are 'no' ties. Instant replay down to the 100th of a second proves that. They are either safe or they are out.
It is all a judgement call.
To my experience, on a really close play, if it is an outstanding or difficult 'fielding' play - the tendency is to call the runner out.

The other side that you are taught in umpire school is:
they're not out unless you "know" they're out -- don't assume.

Don't hurry the call. Review it in your mind if you must, (for a second) and then make the call.

And yes - I have missed my share.

Answer 9

there is a rule that states that the runner is OUT if he doesn't BEAT the throw.That means if he TIES hes OUT, because he didn't BEAT the throw.Look under baserunner is out when.
All the stupid people that say tie goes to the runner are WRONG

Answer 10

Usually the tie goes to the runner.