Baseline Establishment

It's three feet from the line you establish as a runner.

I had an umpire explain to me one time what he is taught to look for is if both runner and fielder are on the same line then its a step and a lean by the fielder. Once it goes past that then the runner is out of the baseline.

it is my understanding there is no baseline until the runner is to be put out. then it's a straight line from runner to the base 3 feet either side. most misunderstood rule in baseball, even by some umps. but not the good ones. lol

As stated the three foot line rile is very misunderstood. It doesn't come into play until there is a play on the runner. Once a play is initiated he has three feet on either side of the line from where he is to the base.

MST -- I was glad to see that you responded to this one because of your expertise. And I know this baseline issue has come up in prior threads -- like the "skunk in the outfield" play.

I'm just curious -- with OBR 7.08 stating, "Any runner is out when_ (a) (1) He runs more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged ..."

has the "direct line between the bases" language evolved into "from where he is to the base" and become an official interpretation -- or is it referred to elsewhere in the book?

Thanks!

If there is a misunderstood portion, it is the part that the baseline does not come into play until a play is made on the runner........The best way to clear it up in a heartbeat is to explain that if it was illegal then no one would be able to "round" the base....

This misunderstanding shows up often in the summer time when youth teams use the "skunk in the outfield" play...and some coach or untrained umpire wants to have it deemed illegal.......which it isnt.....

RPD,

Not wanting to step on MST, but just because I happen to have my advance materials with me today, I thought I'd pass this on. MST hopefully will add....

In NFHS (since this is a HS site, I quote Fed first), the language is clear.

8-4-2a NT

When a play is being made on a runner, he establishes his base path as a direct line between his position and his base.

In OBR, the language is never as clear. OBR seldom changes the language of the rules, but will add Official interpretations. From the other advanced umpiring resources there comes "Authoritative Opinions"......

On this:

Official Interpretation- Leppard: The moment a fielder with the ball sprints toward a runner, the runners baseline is now a direct line between his position and any base.

Authoritative Opinion- Evans: The baserunner creates his own base path and this is what shall establish the direct line which he must comply with. the direct line is a line which originates from the runners starting point directly to the base. DO NOT consider the line connecting the centers of the bases as the direct line applicable in this rule unles the runner is originating on the base.

Authoritative Opinion- J/R: the runner creates his own base path.

These AO's are from these accepted experts.

Leppard- Tom Leppard director of Umpire administration for MLB

Evans- Jim Evans, Former MLB umpire, owner of one of the 2 official umpire schools.

J/R- Jaksa Roder- rules manual for umpires.


hope this helps, Im sure MST will add as well....

Thanks, guys. I always appreciate your insights and what you bring to this board.

quote:

Originally posted by coach2709:
It's three feet from the line you establish as a runner.

I had an umpire explain to me one time what he is taught to look for is if both runner and fielder are on the same line then its a step and a lean by the fielder. Once it goes past that then the runner is out of the baseline.

So MST and / or PIAAump how close or good is my explanation? I was just wondering if it is what you guys are talking about.

Thanks

Coach,
I have no problem at all with your explanation....understanding that going out of the baseline is umpire judgment, so there can be some differing opinions on what is enough distance....

But from the opinion of a step and a lean...I can follow the logic in it......a step being a foot or two....and a lean also being a foot or so......adds up to more than 3 feet to me...... ]

There is no official opinion or guideline here, so we each have to determine it for ourselves.

Thanks PIAAump - that is what I was taught / told on how to interpret that rule. Then I read what you guys put and started thinking it might not be completely right.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the clarification!!