Good discussion.
I do not think I explained this as well as I could have. In my example above, the batter runner has merely over ran 1st, turned around and began slowly moving back to first, no actual move toward second, she has not "rounded" the base. She doesn't stop. The way it was explained to me, the runner turns or does her about face toward second. I can't think of any reason it matters which way she turns but that was the way it was explained to me.
I'm thinking of this as a pre planned play. Does anyone have the feeling that this situation is ripe for a bad call? I picture the ump not realizing she did not go back to first. I think in an ideal world, the runner leaves before the ball is in the circle.
Code:
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.