Expert: Dennis Girardi - 6/8/2007

Question
In Little League baseball, after the hitter runs through 1st base can the runner be tagged out if he turns to his left while coming back to the bag. I know in MLB that the runner has to MAKE AN ATTEMPT to advance to 2nd base before he can be liable to be put out. Is it the same rule in Little League?  

Answer
Hey Tad,

Yes the rule is exactly the same. Unfortunately many young umpires do not know how the rule reads. Many young and inexperienced umpires may call a player "out" simply because the batter turned toward second base.  The player must make an attempt or at least flinch toward second base to be called out..  
The best way to avoid this, is to teach your players to always turn toward the first base dugout, so this will never happen.
Dennis