Play at the plate rules question...?

Question

Let's say a baserunner avoids the catcher's tag but also misses tagging the plate and runs past the plate.  Assuming there's no force play at the plate, since there are no base lines confining the runner, is the runner allowed to run anywhere and everywhere he wants to avoid the catcher's tag?  Is there some rule setting up boundaries around the plate?  Could the runner just run around forever if the catcher is unable to tag him?

Ryan R · Accepted Answer

All answers before mine are wrong. (Notice they don't actually cite the rule?)

The base runner establishes his base line. It is a straight line from the runner to the base he is running to. He is out for running out of the base line only if he deviates from that line by more than three feet TO AVOID A TAG. If a fielder is not attempting to tag him, he can run anywhere, although doing so to extremes would be counterproductive.

KK · Answer

I believe there is an assumed baseline and the runner shall make a concerted effort to make a return to the plate in the most direct route.

Wally the Wallmeister · Answer

The base runner has to stay within a imaginary 3 feet boundary that is decided by the umpire's eye. If he gets out of this boundary, he is automatically out.

brad a · Answer

There is an area around the plate that will be clay, dirt, whatever. The runner would have to stay within that and off the grass.

Anonymous · Answer

no the runner can atleast go out of the base line by three feet only to avid a conlusion. or else he be out for running out of baseline.

A · Answer

He cannot run around forever. He has to follow the natural path of the base line.

Anonymous · Answer

You can dance and dodge all day long ANYWHERE in the circle. Outside of that, and you're out of the baseline.

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Play at the plate rules question...?

7 Answers