Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 7/17/2006

Question
Brian,

 I am confused on a rule.  I had an umpire recently tell me to make sure i am going back to the base and touching it after a foul ball.  I always believed that I didn't have to do that after every foul ball.  So basically i just wanted to know what the rule is for the baserunner on foul balls?  does the runner have to go back and touch up or retouch the base?

thanks

Answer
Joe,

This rule is in the rulebook.  Section 5.09 e

"(e) A foul ball is not caught; runners return. The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases;"

There isn't a penalty as such, but the umpire should not allow the ball to be put back into play until all runners retouch their bases.

Hope this helps!

Brian