Expert: Rick Bundy - 6/9/2009

Question
Doesn't the base runner have to go back and reestablish the base after a foul ball, and if he does not and tries to go tothe next base on the next pitch isn;t he out?

Answer
Mark:  Rule 8, Section 2 Article 9 says ~ Each runner shall touch his base after the ball becomes dead.  

It also states the runner returns to the base occupied at the time of the pitch, if his advance was during an uncaught foul.

This situation is one which is vague at best.  Umpires generally keep the dead ball until the runner or runners are at least hanging out in the vicinity of the base.

Runners on first base will always touch the base if the defense is holding them on.

As a player you are taught to get back on the base, no matter which base it is, then look for any signs that may be given.  You never want to be looking for a sign while standing off a base.

In my time in baseball, as a player, coach and spectator I have never seen a runner called out for attempting to move to the next base, without having retouched.

The umpires basically control that through holding, or releasing their time out, after the dead ball.

Hope this helps.

Yours in baseball,

Rick