Base Running 1: Rules of Thumb for Running Bases- Don’t make the 1st or 3rd out at third base. If you stop at 2nd with no outs, the hitter can move you up to 3rd with one out so you can score multiple different ways without needing a hit.
Baserunning is an important part of baseball and scoring runs. A base runner needs to complete the circuit of bases and touch 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, and home plate in order to score a run. A run is worth one point for the team at-bat.
On a ball that touches the ground in fair territory, if there is a force, runners are required to run. Base runners may attempt to advance at any time while the ball is alive, even before or while the pitcher is throwing a pitch.
Although it’s not stated in many of the rule books, the reason for overrunning first base is based on the fact that the momentum of the runner doesn’t allow for him to stop on first base.
When the lane applies, the batter-runner is required to run the last half of the distance from home to first base within the three foot lane. If the runner does not do so, there is no penalty unless, in the umpire’s judgment, he interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base.
Overrunning first base - When running to first base, a player can overrun first base and still be safe. They must not make an attempt to run to second. Once they make the attempt to run to second, they can be tagged upon returning to first base. This is to be determined by the umpire.
To increase your speed on the base paths, you must focus on your ability to accelerate, sprint and react. And the best way to accomplish this is with sprints of various distances and situations. The following three drills will help you improve your base-running skills. Do them three to five times each, twice per week.
A BALK is an illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base, entitling all runners to advance one base. A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a “ball.”
(B) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with his cap, mask or any part of his uniform detached from its proper place on his person. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home base at his peril; (C) Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws his glove at and touches a fair ball.
Major League average is 27 feet per second
The fastest baserunner in the game is Billy Hamilton.
The total time around the bases is about 52.7/Vr, about 16.7 seconds for r = 10 ft/sec2, about 25% faster than following the baseline for 22.2 seconds (coming to a full stop at first, second, and third base), and about 6% faster than following a circular path for 17.8 seconds.
Using the “veer to the right just before the base” approach, a typical player will take 22.2 seconds to complete an in-the-park home run. That same player using the optimal strategy of a constantly curving path can round the bases in 16.7 seconds.
The reason there has to be runners on first and second or first, second, and third, is because there must be at least two runners on base subject to a “force play.” Otherwise, the defense can gain no advantage by allowing the ball to drop.
Runners are forced to advance to the next base if a runner behind them is trying to advance to their current base. On a home run, if the runner doesn’t complete the circuit of bases after hitting a home run, and instead chooses to go to the dugout, he can be called out and the home run is discounted.
Running lane violation – When the batter runner is advancing to first base he/she is required to run in foul territory. In the event the runner physically or visually interferes with the throw, catch, or the defense, over or in fair territory, the runner will be guilty of interference and called out.
NOTE: Any runner who misses the first base to which he is advancing and who is later called out shall be considered as having advanced one base. 8-2-4 If a fair or foul batted ball is caught, other than a foul tip, each base runner shall touch his base after the batted ball has touched a fielder.
(d) He fails to retouch his base after a fair or foul ball is legally caught before he, or his base, is tagged by a fielder. He shall not be called out for failure to retouch his base after the first following pitch, or any play or attempted play.
In NFHS the batter-runner is allowed to over-run or over-slide first as long as they don’t attempt to advance to second. This includes a base on balls. They changed this rule at the start of the 2018 season.
In the case of a nine-inning game, if your team (or opponent) is winning by 10 runs after seven innings (or after the top of the sixth if you are the home team) the game ends. The Mercy Rule is in play after five innings (or after the top of the fourth if you are the home team) if your team is ahead by ten runs.
In fast-pitch softball games sanctioned by the ASA, base runners are allowed to leave the base before the ball reaches the plate. However, they must stay on the base until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
Definition. A stolen base occurs when a baserunner advances by taking a base to which he isn’t entitled. This generally occurs when a pitcher is throwing a pitch, but it can also occur while the pitcher still has the ball or is attempting a pickoff, or as the catcher is throwing the ball back to the pitcher.
The protection continues until the fielder makes a play or makes a throw after fielding the ball. From beginning to end of this sequence, the fielder has the right of way and runners must avoid impeding the fielder.