Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 8/8/2006

Question

-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Please clarify the rule re: when a runner may advance to 2nd base after overunning 1rst base.
It is my contention that a runner must come back and touch 1rst base before advancing to 2nd base if he over-runs 1rst base. (It is understood that over-running means passing 1rst base straight ahead or breaking to the right of the base with no intension of going to 2nd at that time...and not turning to the left toward 2nd base.  Among my friends I am of a minority in this belief. They say the only time a runner must retouch 1rst base before advancing to 2nd base is when he missed touching 1rst originally.
Many thanks

Answer -
Michael,

Your friends are right on this one.  There is no need to retouch first before heading over to second.  In fact, against a poor fielding team a friend of mine took advantage of this play twice in one day.  He just turned and ran both times and both times was safe at second!  Not a smart play against a team that can throw, but it worked this time...

Hope this helps!

Brian

Brian:
If what you say is true please explain
Rule 7.08-(j)  which states: a runner is out if he fails to return to fist base at once after overrunning of oversliding that base. If he attempts to run to second he is out when tagged.

Keep in mind their is a differencce between overrunning the base or running through the base. When running through the base (making the slight turn toward second)you have the option of continuing on toward second without returning to first base but you are also in danger of being tagged out if not touching the base which is not the case when overunning the base.
Please respond
Mike

P.S.  In the case of your friend being safe at second twice in one game. If no appeal is made by the defensive team as stated in Rule 7.10 (c) the runner would be safe at second. But if the appeal is made he would be called out.

Answer
Michael,

Rule 7.08j states that he may be tagged out.  Of course he may be tagged out if he attempts to run to second.  There is no problem with that.

There is no difference in the rulebook between overrunning the base or running through the base.  If the umpire believes the runner makes an effort to go toward second, then the runner is live and can be tagged out.  If the player doesn't make the effort toward second, then they are not liable to be put out before returning to first.  However, if the ball gets away or the player decides to try for second, they may do so.  They become liable to be tagged out as soon as they make the effort to go to second.

I'm pretty sure my interpretation is correct, but asking a local umpire might be a good way to get a second opinion.

Hope this helps!

Brian