Expert: Rick Bundy - 7/22/2008

Question
OK, bases loaded and the batter taps a slow dribbler down the first base line.
Pitcher scoops up the ball, tags the batter running toward first, and throws
home to get the runner trying to score from third. Catcher treats it as a force
play, catches the ball with a foot on the plate and the runner is called out.
Double play, out of the inning. But, since the batter was tagged out first, it
seems that the play at home should not be a force but a tag. Surprisingly, no
argument from the coach of the batting team.

Granted, this was a girls softball game...but the play had a few of us
spectators scratchig our heads. Your thoughts?  

Answer
Hi Dave!  Great question, and a situation which comes up frequently in softball and baseball.

As soon as the batter/runner is tagged out, the force is removed.  If the runner on third attempts to score, then the out must be recorded with a tag.

The situation is the same at any base.  This occurs more frequently with a runner on first, and a ground ball hit to the first baseman, close to the bag.  As soon as the fielder steps on first, the force is removed and the subsequent out at second must be with a tag.

I hope this was helpful.

Yours in baseball,

Rick