Tagging up: when can the runner leave?
The runner can leave the base the instant the ball first touches a fielder, not when the catch is finally secured. I'd teach every runner to go on that first touch.
Most young runners are taught to tag up by going back to the base and waiting for the catch. With a runner on third and fewer than two outs, you’ll see it on a fly ball at just about every youth field.
But the timing is wrong, and it costs teams runs.
The runner can leave the moment the ball first touches a fielder. He doesn’t have to wait until the catch is secured. If the outfielder bobbles it, the runner has already been running — while the ball is still bouncing around in his glove. On a close play at the plate, that head start may be the difference.
So we teach it that way. Keep your eyes on the fielder rather than the ball. Go on the touch.
What happens if he leaves early? Nothing happens automatically. Leaving early is an appeal play. The defense has to notice it, get the ball back and tag the base or the runner before the next pitch or the next play (an attempt counts). If it happened on the play that ended the inning, the window closes when the defense leaves the field. They also have to make it clear to the umpire what they’re appealing.
If they don’t appeal, the run counts.
There are two things young players get wrong. First, “tagging up” means being in contact with the base when the ball is touched. Standing a foot off the bag, ready to sprint, is leaving early (even if it feels like a smart head start). Second, runners can tag up and advance on a foul fly ball that’s caught, too. Most players don’t know that, and most defenses forget it.
And if the other team leaves early, appeal it. The umpire isn’t going to do it for you!
Which rulebook? Official Baseball Rules 5.09(b)(5) and 5.09(c)(1). Little League and NFHS use the same standard: the runner may leave on first touch. Leaving early is an appeal play, and the defense has to appeal it before the next pitch, play or attempted play, or, after a play that ends the half-inning, before it leaves the field.
Runner on third, one out. Fly ball to right, and the right fielder bobbles it twice before he secures the catch. When can the runner leave?
Still have a question? Ask Coach Fungo.
“Be on the bag, not near it, and go the second a fielder touches the ball.”
Can a batter switch boxes in the middle of an at-bat?
Yes, any time he wants, unless the pitcher is on the rubber and ready to pitch. Step across then and he's out, and two strikes has nothing to do with it.
“Coach, I've read that rule, and there's nothing in it about two strikes.”
Is a balk a dead ball?
It depends on the rulebook. In high school, the ball is dead right away and runners move up one base. In travel ball and the pros, play continues, and the balk can be wiped out.
“The first thing I want to know on a balk is which rulebook we're playing under that weekend.”
The rules quiz
Ten questions, two minutes. Would you have gotten the call right?
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