You make the call.

There's a runner on first, no outs. The batter hits a sharp one hopper to the first baseman. The runner on first, runs back to first to avoid being tagged. The first baseman steps on first base, before the batter reaches it, then tags the runner that was originally on first. Is that a double play?

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beckyromero · 36-40, F

By stepping on first base, the fielder put out the batter,

The first baseman should have tagged the runner first, there by created a force out, and THEN stepped on first to finish off a double play before the batter reached the bag.

Patriot96 · 56-60, C

Only if runner if off the base

WizardofOz · 26-30, M

@Patriot96 Correct. Had the fielder tagged the runner first, even if he was standing on first base, then put his foot on first base, before the batter reaches it, it would have been a double play. The fielder blew it.

biandlargeny · 56-60, M

If he stepped on the base the batter is out and there is no force to make the runner go to 2nd base.

Presuming the e runner is on first base when tagged he is safe.

WizardofOz · 26-30, M

@biandlargeny What if the fielder tagged the original runner, while he's standing on first, then puts his foot on the base?

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

@WizardofOz If he hasn't stepped on first yet, to force the batter, then the runner is out.

WizardofOz · 26-30, M

@ChipmunkErnie Yes, the runner has to be tagged, even if he's standing on first, he's still out, then the fielder puts his foot on first base, before the batter reaches it. That would be a double play.

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

Yes, an unassisted one. The batter is a force out, the runner a tag out.

Oh, wait, is the runner ON the base when he's tagged. If so, no he's safe because by stepping on the base the force play is removed.

WizardofOz · 26-30, M

@ChipmunkErnie lol.... It's my fault, I gave two different scenarios.

BizSuitStacy · M

Hmmm...he should've tagged the runner first, and then step on the base.

Ok...if the runner at 1st has a wooden leg, can he take off the leg, leave it on 1st and take as big a lead as he wants and not be out?

WizardofOz · 26-30, M

@BizSuitStacy Nope, you can't use any type of equipment to give you an advantage, other than a glove and bat. Catchers get violations called against them for using their mask in an attempt to stop a wild pitch.

biandlargeny · 56-60, M

If he tagged the runner before stepping on the base for the force I didn't think he would be out as he was on the base. But I'm not sure.

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WizardofOz · 26-30, M

@biandlargeny I've never seen it happen in this type of scenario. I've seen a runner get in a pickle and two players will occupy the same base but I've never seen it happen to avoid a double play.

ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M

@WizardofOz Once the batter is put out by stepping on first, the runner does NOT have to advance.

WizardofOz · 26-30, M

@ChipmunkErnie Yes, that's where the fielder messed up. He should have tagged the runner, even though he was standing on first, then put his foot on first to complete the double play.

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