There is a physical line from homeplate to first and third to determine the basepath. How do you determine the path from first to second, or, second to third. Can a runner try to evade a tag by taking a step sideways?
2007-05-09 07:11:01 · 9 answers · asked by atmlarry05 2 in Sports ➔ Baseball
This is one of the most often misunderstood rules in baseball.
First, we're talking about a runner's base line, not path. The base paths are the dirt areas on the infield.
The base line, however, is established by a runner when he chooses a direct line to a base. He is to be called out if he runs more than three feet away from his base line TO AVOID A TAG. If the defense is not trying to tag him, he's not out even if he darts way out of that line. For example, a runner can round third and end up almost on the warning track on his way around to home while the ball is being thrown home.
Theoretically, it's possible for a runner in a rundown between first and second to end up in right field -- and not be out for leaving the base line. The runner could move two feet farther toward right field every time he ran back and forth. I wouldn't recommend that a runner do this, because he's going to have a long way to go to get back to first or to reach second.
2007-05-09 18:52:09 · answer #1 · answered by Ryan R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you are bringing this up because there was a fielder's interference call recently (I forget the game). They went on to describe the rule like this.
The runner establishes his own basepath. He must be clearly trying to run to one base or another but whether its on the grass, dirt, whatever that is his basepath and the fielders cannot impede his course.
edit: Just to clarify my answer I found this...
"The basepath is the region within three feet (0.9 meters) of the baseline. Baserunners are not required to run in this objective basepath, however; a baserunner may run wherever he wants when no play is being attempted on him. At the moment the defense begins to attempt a tag on him, his running baseline is established as a direct line from his current position to the base which he is trying for. The runner may not stray three feet away from this line in an attempt to avoid a tag; if he does, he is automatically out."
2007-05-09 07:20:15 · answer #2 · answered by undrthecvrsagent 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the respond isn't any. The runner that's additionally the hitter can not run living house. it is think approximately a stress out if the 1st base guy gets the ball and tags the backside till now the runner gets to first. The runner can do what ever he needs yet he would be out.
2016-12-11 04:44:55 · answer #3 · answered by lemanski 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The runner gets three feet to either side of the path he is going on. If he changes direction, like in a rundown, the new path is made in the direction he is going.
2007-05-09 08:15:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
3 feet from center is the standard to avoid a tag. Any other time it does not apply unless you are running them backwards.
The line from 1st to home and 3rd to home are not for the runner they are to determine a fair or foul ball.
2007-05-09 07:20:38 · answer #5 · answered by k man 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The base path is the same width as from home to first and third to home...the umpire makes that decision when a runner runs out of the path from first to second.
2007-05-09 07:19:25 · answer #6 · answered by J Dub 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ryan has this covered very well.
Remember the offense has to allow the fielder to field but then the fielder who does not have the ball gots to get out of the way or it is obstruction.
2007-05-10 01:30:16 · answer #7 · answered by david w 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is left to the judgment of the umpire who decides if the runner was out of the base path or not. If he is, the umpire will call him out.
Chow!!
2007-05-09 07:51:57 · answer #8 · answered by No one 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The runner can go anywhere on the dirt between 1B-2B and 2B-3B as long as he does not interfere with the fielder or the ball in play.
2007-05-09 07:19:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋