AboutDr. Mark R. Ambrose Expertise I can answer all questions about book rules and "case book" rules governing the playing of ASA softball. Have a REAL situation that happened and are not sure the proper rule was applied, ask me.
Experience I am a registered ASA umpire, a MASA "At-Large" umpire since 1996 and a retired District Umpire-In-Chief. I have very extensive experience in MASA State Championship and ASA national qualifying tournament play both as an umpire and an Umpire-In-Chief. I completed 3 ASA National Schools including the ASA national advanced umpire school in Ok City("Bernie" for those who know him was the lead clinician, I survived the week and couldn't let my kids watch the game tapes when I got home. No, I love you Bernie). I was one of 4 "Yankee" umpires selected to umpire the Men's D National East Championship in 2002 in Winter Haven FL
Organizations Amateur Softball Association (The authority in softball)
Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Runner turning left instead of right at first base.
Question What is the rule when a runner advances to first base after a dropped third strike, or anytime for that matter, and turns to the left to return to her base instead of turning to her right? I thought that the rule changed so that the runner had to make a legitamate attempt at second base to be called out! Thanks for your help!
Answer Hi kade,
Anytime the b becomes a b-r and the pitcher has the ball in the circle they may round 1st base, stop once and then immediately advance or withdraw non stop. They cannot overun 1st, start back to the base and before reaching the base start to advance to 2nd. if they stop at 1st they cannot leave
If they overrun 1st toward right field turns left and immediately stops must return or advance non stop
If they overrun 1st toward right field turn left and moves directly toward 2nd and stop, is committed to 2nd and must advance nonstop.
If they overrun 1st toward right field, turn right is committed to 1st base and must return nonstop
The above is all w/ the ball in the circle.
Now such as on a base hit they can turn right or left it makes no difference and would not be out unless they make an attempt to advance to 2nd then they are liable for an appeal out if tagged.
