When the ball is returned to the pitcher on the mound, what determines whether a runner off base may attempt to advance or must return to their last occupied base? Is there a “halfway” rule?
There is not a “halfway” rule, nor any rule requiring that a runner be a certain distance from their next base in order to legally proceed. HOWEVER – as of the 1/2009 Rules, there is a requirement that in order to advance, the runner must be in “forward motion” at the time the pitcher receives the ball on the mound (15.01). Therefore, a runner who is running may keep running, but a runner who is stopped must go back. No longer may a runner pause a step off the base and attempt a late dash once the pitcher’s back is turned. Note that, as always, any subsequent attempted play that brings the ball off the mound or out of the pitcher’s possession WILL allow any runner to resume advancing at their own risk.
Related Questions
- During a kick-off return, a player on Team B returned the kickoff and fumbled the ball, and Team A recovered it. Why was the defensive team of Team A given credit for a fumble recovery?
- When determining when a pitcher switches to his B grades, does next base runner mean NEW base runner?
- Can a 3rd base runner proceed to home when a ball is overthrown to third?
