Baserunning ?

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Jun 18, 2010
78
0
Illinois
The rule is called the Look Back Rule, but it really has nothing to do with the pitcher looking the runner back. If the ball is in the circle in the pitchers control a base runner is allowed to round a bag, but she must immediately proceed to one bag or the other, So she can stop but she must immediately run toward the next base or return to the one she just rounded. If the pitcher attempts to make a play on her, the look back rule no longer applies. The runner on third can also be off the bag but must make the same choice once the ball is in the circle under the pitchers control, (and the batter has made it to first base) either immediately continue home, or retreat back to third.

Umpires who call girls out for simply rounding the bag on a walk don't understand the rule.

Must be the case... cuz they have me confused on the darn rule now! lol
 
Jun 18, 2010
78
0
Illinois
Look Back is simply the name that has been applied to the rule, it has absolutely nothing to do with the pitcher "looking back" the runner. On a walk the rule is not in effect until the batter/runner reaches 1st base. If for any reason they stop at 1st, they must stay there, but, they are perfectly legal to round the base and stop. However, if no play is being made on them by the pitcher, they must then decide to either advance or return to 1st. Once they move they must continue non stop that direction unless the pitcher attempts to make a play on them.

If you are seeing players being called out for rounding and stopping, then the umpires apparently do not understand the rule or have been taught incorrectly.

I am so glad I asked..... I am learning something new here!
I do think they are calling that incorrectly then - cuz that is exactly how they are calling it & I hear the parents in the stands say "she rounded 1st & didn't go to 2nd, she can't do that". So I always thought that was the rule & made since in how the Ump was calling the play too.
Thanks for the clerification everyone - I now better understand it! :)
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
T. (Fast Pitch) LOOK BACK RULE.
The “Look Back” rule shall be in effect for all runners when the ball is live,
the batter-runner has touched first base or has been declared out, and the
pitcher has possession and control of the ball within the pitcher’s circle. The
pitcher is considered to be in the pitcher’s circle when both feet are on or
within the lines.

1. When a runner is legitimately off a base after a pitch or as a result
of a batter completing a turn at bat, and while the pitcher has control
of the ball within the eight foot radius of the pitcher’s plate, the
runner may stop once, but then must immediately return to the
base or attempt to advance to the next base.

2. Once the runner stops at a base for any reason, the runner will
be declared out if leaving the base.

3. Responsibilities of the batter-runner after touching first base, and
while the pitcher has control of the ball within the eight foot radius
of the pitcher’s plate. This includes a base on balls or a dropped
third strike.
a. A batter-runner who rounds first base toward second base
may stop once, but then must immediately non-stop return to
first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.
b. A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field,
turns left and immediately stops, must then return non-stop to
first base or attempt to advance non-stop to second base.
c. A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field,
turns left and moves directly toward second base and stops
is committed to second base and must attempt to advance
non-stop to second base.
d. A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field,
turns left and moves back toward the infield in any direction
except directly toward second base is committed to first base
and must return non-stop to first base.
e. A batter-runner who over-runs first base toward right field,
and turns right, is committed to first base and must return
non-stop to first base.
EFFECT - Section 7-T (1-3): The ball is dead. “No pitch” is
declared when applicable, and the runner is out. When more
than one runner is off base, if one is called out, the ball is
dead and other runners are returned to the last base touched.
One runner only may be called out.
EXCEPTION: The runner will not be declared out if
1. A play is made on any runner. A fake throw is considered a play,
2. The pitcher no longer has possession of the ball within the eight
foot radius, or
3. The pitcher releases the ball on a pitch to the batter.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,020
63
Mid West
Everything hinges on whether the pitcher has the ball inside the circle or not. To advance towards the next base, even only one step and then stop when pitcher has ball... br is out. This is called a waffle. Additional base runners are irrelevant.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,339
113
Chicago, IL
Everything hinges on whether the pitcher has the ball inside the circle or not. To advance towards the next base, even only one step and then stop when pitcher has ball... br is out. This is called a waffle. Additional base runners are irrelevant.

This is not correct, read MTR's post 3a.
 
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