Running to First

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I know this has been discussed here but I'm unable to locate the thread.

When a batter runner runs to first, turns out of fair territory, then steps into fair territory while returning to the base, can he be tagged out since he is now in fair territory?

I thought I read here that this is a myth. As long as the batter runner is making no attempt to go to second and is just walking back to first, he is ok.

Can someone clarify.

 

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Runner has to make an attempt to go to second. A runner can turn any way she wants.. as long as she doesn't take that one step and turn a shoulder towards second in attempt to advance.

 

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Yep. File the "myth" under the ongoing thread called "... then you might be a Rec Coach."

 

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Let's take two situations: First, batter hits a hard grounder thru ss/3B gap which is fielded by left fielder. In this case, runner should pick up where the ball is, and ROUND first - looking to continue to second. Usually, the ball is thrown in to a middle infielder preventing the advancement. HOWEVER, by rounding the bag with INTENTION to continue, she would be liable to be tagged out.

Bunt situation/close play at first: Batter/runner is trying to beat the throw, and continues straight down the first base line. She may be in fair OR foul territory. As she stops and turns to return to first base, she can turn either direction, but cannot give the intention (in the umpire's judgement) of attempting to continue to second base. The key in both situations is making an attempt to continue. Of course, this player should also pick up on where the ball is (in case of an overthrow, etc.) and not assume she is automatically out, which is just good fundamental coaching.

 

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This is a myth, that runners can be called out for turning a certain way after overrunning first base. And it's a myth that's been around forever and doesn't seem to be dying off!

After overrunning first base, a batter-runner may turn either left or right, in either fair or foul ground, and that is fine, so long as she immediately returns to first base. But if she makes any additional move that can be interpreted as a move toward second base (even just a step in that direction), she may be tagged out...same as any other runner while off her base.

Whether or not anything the batter-runner does is interpreted as "an attempt toward first base" is up to the umpire's judgment.

(There are rules about which way the batter-runner turns after passing first base that apply to the Look Back Rule, and to which base it committs the runner to, but those have nothing at all to do with this play- a simple overrun and turn at first base.)