Expert: Andrew Senger - 11/8/2010

Question
runner is between 1st and second  - 2 baseman is in the outfield side of the
baseline without the ball - the runner runs out of the original baseline to
avoid contact with the 2 baseman - as the runner is avoiding the 2 baseman
the ball is caught and a tag attempted but not applied - the 2 baseman
stopped the attempt thinking the runner was out of the baseline - question is
a new baseline established when the runner has to avoid contact with a
defender in this situation? thank you

Answer
Kendall,

First of all, I apologize for the delay in answering the question. I have been on vacation, and forgot to set my account as such.

In this situation, the baseline isn't established until a play is attempted on the runner. Therefore, in your situation, the baseline would be established when the second baseman attempted the tag.