what do you do if you are on a base and the batter hits the ball but the outfield catches it and you run?

Question

Do you run back or do you have to run back before he throws the ball to that base? and how do you know if you should run because you dont know if he will catch it

Answer 1

If it's less than two outs you have to tag up before advancing to the next base.

Answer 2

If the outfielder catches the ball, you must return to your original base. From there, you can advance to the next base at your own risk.

If the outfielder throws it back to the base before you touch it, you are out.

Generally, the best idea is to go about halfway between the bases when the flyball is hit. This way, if the outfielder doesnt catch it, you can more easily make it to the next base. If he does catch it, you dont have to go that far to get back to your original base.

Answer 3

It depends if you think the outfielder will catch it, as well as the speed and depth of the hit. There are basically 3 kinds of outfield hits: long fly, short fly, and line drive. Each needs a different approach.

Long Fly - Stay on the base, ready to run as soon as the guy catches it. Only run if you're SURE they won't catch it.

Short Fly - Take a lead off of the base, short enough to get back before a throw if you need to. You take the lead because if they catch it, you can't advance anyways- so it's no sense being ready to tag up. (and having a little lead means you can run if you need to)

Line Drive - Unless it's right at the guy, you need to run- fast. This is because if its fielded on a bounce, you will have a lot of trouble getting to the next base (due to it being a faster play).

Answer 4

If an outfielder catches the ball, you have to go back to the base you were originally on and 'tag up,' meaning that you must touch that base after the ball has been caught in order to be able to advance.

If you are not sure if the ball will be caught, always take a lead from the base that you are on, except for third base. Always keep track of how far the ball is hit to calculate if you'll be able to tag up.

Answer 5

When a pop-up is hit to the outfield.. you should run about halfway to the next base. If he catches it, turn around and run back to your original base. If he drops or misses it, run your brains out and keep your eye on your third base coach as he will tell you if you should run or stop.

Answer 6

If you are on second or third always tag on a fly ball to the outfield with less that 2 outs. If head catches it and you ran all he has to do is get it to the base before you get back...if they get to it or drop it you will usually be able to advance. If you happen to be on first get about halfway and be ready to go either direction depending on what the fielder does. its always better not to advance than to be out. With 2 outs run like hell on contact.

Answer 7

depending on how many outs there are and what the score is and of course who is at bat next,if there are two outs then run if there is only one out then keep your foot on the base until the ball is caught then run if you think you can out-run the throw,if there are no outs then go half way down the base line and wait until the ball is caught or dropped if the ball is caught then you will have to tag up if the ball isn't caught then you have a good head start on getting another base

Answer 8

You absolutely have to tag up, wait for that catch to be made, and then you can run.

As for the last part of your question - that's why the best best baserunners always check the positions of all of the fielders before each pitch. If you know the positions of the outfielders and can judge the arc of the ball, you can tell whether or not the ball can be caught.

Every player ought to be doing their own scouting of the opposition players, and what I've described is a part of that.

Answer 9

it depends on how many outs and what base you are on, if there are two outs just start running, if you are on third base and there is less than 2 outs and you think you can tag up go back to the bag and wait for the guy to catch it. if you are on first or second go off the base a little bit half way maybe and wait to see if he catches it. when all else fails listen to the base coaches.

Answer 10

You have to run back to the base before the outfielder throws it there unless you were on the base when he caught it. In that case run as fast as you can.

Answer 11

In the situation you describe, you cannot leave the base you occupied at the time of the pitch until the ball touched the outfielder. If you were not on the base at the time, you must retouch it.

If you fail to retouch, the defense may put you out, on appeal, by either tagging the base you failed to retouch while in possession of the ball, or by tagging you with the ball.

For example, if you're on first and you fail to retouch on a fly ball that's caught in deep right field and you run to second. The defense can tag you with the ball while you're standing on second and appeal that you didn't retouch. Or the defense can throw to first and tag the base while in possession of the ball and appeal that you didn't retouch.

If you need to retouch, you must touch any other bases you reached, in reverse order, or else the defense can put you out on appeal for missing any of those bases.

For example, if you're on first and you fail to retouch on a fly ball deep to right field and you touch second and are on your way to third. You must touch second on your way back to first.

Now, if the ball touches a fielder and he juggles it before catching it, or if another fielder then catches it, you do not have to wait until the ball is secured; you can retouch as soon as the ball is touched.

You do not need to retouch on a foul tip.

You cannot make a "flying start" by positioning yourself behind the base in anticipation of the catch. If you make a flying start and fail to retouch legally, you can also be called out on appeal.