LBR Violation?

[Agcy]

This may seem like a rudimentary question, but I am looking for a second opinion. I tried to attach a graphic to visualize the situation as well.

1. Pitcher pitches and runner at 2nd comes off the base
2. Catcher throws back to pitcher
3. As pitcher receives the ball, the runner starts walking to third
4. The pitcher looks at the runner who, after three steps decides to return to 2nd. No motion to engage runner at all.

Should that be a LBR violation and runner called out?

 

[marriard]

This may seem like a rudimentary question, but I am looking for a second opinion. I tried to attach a graphic to visualize the situation as well.

1. Pitcher pitches and runner at 2nd comes off the base
2. Catcher throws back to pitcher
3. As pitcher receives the ball, the runner starts walking to third
4. The pitcher looks at the runner who, after three steps decides to return to 2nd. No motion to engage runner at all.

Should that be a LBR violation and runner called out?

No, the runner is entitled one change of direction.

As long as the runner was moving towards third as or before the pitcher received the ball they are good as described as the return to second was the change of direction allowed.

 

[cnardone]

@marriard
If the runner stopped and hesitated more than a second, before returning to 2nd, that would trigger the LBR correct?

 

[EdLovrich]

If the runner stopped and hesitated more than a second, before returning to 2nd, that would trigger the LBR correct?

Correct, with the understanding that hesitated more than a second is quite subjective.

 

[cnardone]

Thank you.

 

[Agcy]

No, the runner is entitled one change of direction.

As long as the runner was moving towards third as or before the pitcher received the ball they are good as described as the return to second was the change of direction allowed.

What if they started toward third immediately AFTER the pitcher caught the ball from the catcher?

 

[Agcy]

If the runner stopped and hesitated more than a second, before returning to 2nd, that would trigger the LBR correct?

Correct, with the understanding that hesitated more than a second is quite subjective.

I would argue that a second is too long. The rulebook says that a decision must be made immediately after the pitcher has the ball.

 

[BillyB]

Did the runner stop and did the pitcher make any type of movement, other than catch and look in the circle?

 

[Agcy]

Did the runner stop and did the pitcher make any type of movement, other than catch and look in the circle?

Runner stopped during the pitch

Runner started to third right after pitcher caught the ball

Pitcher made no movement at the runner except to turn and look at her

 

[BillyB]

I wouldn't call it out, unless the runner just froze and looked longer than that second, then went back. Probably one we need to really see in realtime.