Base Running Question

Playing TB this past weekend, we had 2 runners on the base, we strike out, the infield goes to the circle to hi-five the pitcher, since the pitcher is in the circle, but 5 others are also, are you aloud to run, since the others have stepped into the circle? Did not try it, it was to close a game to be called out for something stupid! But I have not seen a team do that with runners on!

 

As long as the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle any runners who have stopped on a base may not leave that base. Possession is ball in the glove or the hand with both feet in the pitching circle. If the pitcher were to step out of the circle with either foot while confering with her team the runners would be released from the look back rule responsibilities.

Side Note: If the pitcher has the ball in her glove and puts it between her knees to adjust her hair or whatever she is still in possession of the ball, but if she puts the glove on the ground she is not in possession of the ball.

 

I thought you could not leave the base and return to the base if the pitcher had the ball in her possession - be called out. Is it not legal to simply take off to the next base with no hesitation or baiting of the pitcher?

 

Just a guess

We know that a runner on base cannot leave base and not be out when pitcher is on the pitching rubber getting ready to deliver pitch to batter.

Is there a transition period here. When does 1 play end and the next start. Lets say as you stated you have R1 on 1st base.

#1. Pitcher has ball in glove "outside" circle. We know runner can leave or do about anything on or off base.
#2 Pitcher w ball in glove. The pitcher is just standing "inside" circle and has not placed foot on pitching rubber to address the next batter. Pitcher could be talking to catcher or coach or third baseman or just day dreaming. ???? Could at this point, R1 on 1st base just take off towards 2nd base???? I think not. Runner is out.

When the pitcher delivers the ball to catcher and R1 take a lead off 1st base. The catcher can throw down to 1st or throw back to pitcher. If catcher throws back to pitcher and runner is still not back on 1st yet the pitcher can throw to 1st in an attempt to get runner out. R1 dive or steps back on 1st.

Here we have a strike out and the infielders go to congratulate the pitcher and 2nd base is not covered. I would "guess" and this is just a "guess", that if R1 has not moved back to 1st base and still off base, just atanding there and the ball has been thrown back to the pitcher. That R1 could take off to 2nd base and not be called out. Remember 1st and 2nd is not covered by an infielder. But, it would likely only work 1 time and like 1 time only.

My question is. Is this a transition point between play 1 and 2 that rules are or could be gray about? Or is runner out, no gray area?

 

Runners were on their way back to the base when the infield ran in to hi-five the pitcher, one was already back, but the other was on her way back, had a big lead at 3rd. But, I was told by another team that once another fielder steps into the circle the lookback rule is no longer in effect. I don't have a rule book, so I cannot refer to it, but in the process of getting one.

 

done this before

We have done this before.....

Pitcher, pitches ball to catcher. R1 then playing off 1st base. Pitcher receives ball from catcher "in the circle". Pitcher attempts to throw R1 out at 1st base throwing ball to 1st base. R1 instead of diving back to 1st runs to 2nd base in attempt to steal 2nd base. Ump never says anything. Only if 1st baseman throws ball to 2nd in trying stop runner from stealing, does the ump say anything, make the call. Could this be a similar type to what is being talked about here. Delayed steal after strike-out???

 

These are my words, but gives you a good idea of how it is enforced.

Look Back Rule: at the time the pitcher has possession of the ball in the circle any runners that are not stopped on a base may continue to run the bases. If they stop anywhere other then a base they have 1 second to continue to advance or retreat. They may not stop again off a base or be called out. If they stop on a base they may not leave that base until the pitcher pitches the ball, looses possession of the ball, steps out of the circle or fakes a play. If the pitcher fakes a play, the look back rule goes back into effect when she is no longer faking a play.

If there is a batter-runner on the play the look back rule does not go into effect until the batter-runner reaches first base and the pitcher has the ball in the circle.

There are responsibilities for the batter-runner in the look back rule also, when overrunning first or rounding first. Not going to get into that now though.

The defense may have as many people in the circle as they can fit, but as long as the pitcher does not make a play or fake a play the look back rule is in effect.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks, that is what I needed to know. So in this situation, catcher is jogging to the mound, while my runner is walking back to 3rd, once she makes that motion back to 3rd, she has to continue to 3rd, even though she sees the catcher leaving her position, or can she change direction and head for home? My understanding is once she makes that motion to head back to 3rd she has to commit to 3rd and cannot change motion.

 

try it

If you are in a game some time that you are up pretty well. Try it see what happens. Not trying to score maybe runner on 1st or 2nd. You know already that you maybe out.

 

If she was headed back to third when the ball went into the circle she may stop, anywhere except on a base, for no more then one second then continue or change direction. After that one stop the runner is committed to continue until the pitcher fakes a play, releases the ball or steps out of the circle.

I hope this answered your question.