Base Running

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Here's my question, my base-runner makes it to 3rd base, as she takes her place on the base she has her left foot against the base and right foot behind her. Infield blue calls out that she will out if she does not place her foot directly on top of the base. This was an ASA event. I didn't find that information in the ASA book or as the wife puts it maybe i do need to get glasses.

 

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That is a good one, perhaps it is Blue that needs glasses. Almost all kids use the rocker step and never have the foot directly on top of the bag.

 

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I had a coach tell me the same story at a USSSA event in Maumee. It was a 10U game and both umpires doing this particular game told the coach that the players foot must be on top of the bag!

 

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As long as Foot TOUCHING BAG... Yes Blue thats the SIDES. That may not stop him from "Thinking " she wasn't on the Bag. So Your dice...

 

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Tell him to pull out his book and show you that rule. I don't think he'll be able to find it. Then one of your parents will be closely videotaping the runners when they're on base and that if he calls one of them out when they're not supposed to be out, you'll take it up with his bosses and make sure he never umps again. "Is there somewhere else you can do next to nothing and get paid so well for it?" I'd ask. "The U.S. automakers are NOT hiring these days," I would not add.

 

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This is one of those "rule myths" that rears its ugly head from time-to-time. Haven't heard it for awhile myself...

The only rule that comes close- but doesn't really apply here- is ASA rule 8-7-V. It says that a runner is out if she positions herself behind a base and not in contact with it to get a running start. I think that some people may have read this rule at some point, not fully comprehended it, then bought into the myth that a runner has to be touching the top of the base.

Touching the base is touching the base, whether you're touching the top, the side, the front, the back or any part of it.