Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/23/2004

Question
Is a batter out if, after hitting a fair ball, he/she steps on home plate after leaving the batter's box on his or her way to first base? Can you please cite the rule, if necessary?

My understanding is that the batter is out for running the bases out of order.

Answer
Maureen,

There is a rule dictating that a player touch the bases in order:

"7.02  In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third and home base in order. If forced to return, he shall retouch all bases in reverse order, unless the ball is dead under any provision of Rule 5.09. In such cases, the runner may go directly to his original base."

However there is no penalty associated directly with the rule.  The penalty is such that if you leave the baseline, you are called out.  If you head toward third, when you should be running to first, you've left the baseline and are ruled out.  However, if you accidentally step on home plate while running to first, there is no penalty.  Unless you obstruct the fielder or leave the baseline.

Hope this helps!

Brian