There are some unique base running situations that arise every year. Some of the more unusual base running situations, with the proper ruling for each, are outlined here.
1. Runner leading off a base. There is no rule specifying exactly how a runner has to go about taking his "lead" off a base. Runners usually lead off in a direct line towards the next base; however, the rule book does not specifically state they must do so.
a. Theoretically, a runner on first base could move on a line toward the right-center field fence when leading off and stand on the outfield grass. There is no rule that prevents this type of a "lead off" from first base, or an other base.
Rule 8-4-2 governs the many situations when a base runner is "out". Rule 8-4-2a states that when a "play" is being made on a runner or batter-runner, he establishes his baseline as directly between his position and the base toward which he is moving.
So, the runner leading off first base CAN lead off into shallow right field. Once a play is made on him, his "baseline" is established as directly from his current position and second base. The only thing he is required to do is proceed towards second base on direct path from his current position.
Can the runner proceed back towards first base on a direct path back towards first base? Yes, if that is the first "move" once a play is made.
The proper ruling in this case would be that the runner is not immediately out for being out of the baseline when a play is made on him. So long as he continues to establish his baseline from his position on the field directly towards second base or directly back towards first base he is not out until tagged. This play, although not commonly used, is legal and actually has a couple of names. It has been referred to as the "snake in the grass" and "skunk in the grass" play.
Batter-Runner stopping between home and first to avoid a tag. With a runner (R1) on first base, the batter hits a sharp ground ball to F3 who fields it in fair territory in front of the bag. He proceeds down the first base line with the intent of tagging the batter-runner. The batter-runner stops and retreats back towards home plate. F3 quickly throws the ball to F6 and gets the force out on R1 at second base. F6's throw to F1 covering first base is not in time and the batter-runner is safe at first base. Should the batter-runner be declared out for stopping and retreating backwards when he was running to a base he was being forced to run to? Ruling: The batter-runner is not out for stopping and retreating back towards home plate. As long as the batter-runner did not touch or run beyond home plate, or leave the base path to avoid a tag, the action is legal. (NFHS Case Book, 8-1-1 Situation A).
Does this run count? With bases loaded and two out, the batter hits a sharp ground ball between third base and short stop. The third baseman (F5) makes a nice play to field the ground ball while moving to his left. He attempts to tag the runner (R2) who was at second base and is being forced to run to third base as a result of the ground ball. R2 stops before F5 can tag him and runs back towards second base. He is now caught in a run down and the runner (R3) who was originally at third base, scores before the defensive team is able to tag R2 out. The eventual tag on R2 is the third out and the inning is now over. Does R3's run count? Ruling: The run does not count. A run is not scored under certain "third out" circumstances, one of which is if the runner advances to home plate during action in which the third out is made as a result of another runner being "forced out" (Rule 9-1-1b). Although this wasn't the easiest way for the defense to retire R2, the fact that R2 stopped and retreated toward second base has no bearing on this ruling. The "force" status must be removed before the run would be allowed to count. The out on R2 is still considered a "force out" in this situation..
Catcher's "Obstruction" on the batter. R1 is on second base with no out. F2 obstructs B3 by touching the bat with his mitt during the swing. B3 is still able to hit the ball into shallow right field for a single. R1 advances around third base but is thrown out at the plate by F9. What is the proper ruling on the "catcher obstruction". Ruling: "Obstruction of the batter is ignored if the batter-runner reaches first and all other runners advance at least one base" (Rule 8-1-1e). The catcher's obstruction is ignored since B3 reached first base on the hit and R1 advanced at least one base. R1's advance past third base was at his own risk and he is out at the plate
