- May 13, 2008
- 824
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My contention is that the runner is not legitimately off the base while the pitcher has the ball in her possession. She had not reached first base yet when the pitcher took possession of the ball in the circle. She had not yet legally occupied first when the pitcher took possession of the ball, thus, when she went forward to another base and then reversed direction she would be out unless the pitcher made a play on her.
After a walk the batter-runner is entitled to advance to first without liability to be put out. The play isn't over until she stops at first or continues to the next base, regardless of whether the pitcher has the ball in their possession or not.
Here is the link to the USSSA Fastpitch Rulebook. They have highlighted some of the text to help clarify. Usually text is highlighted when there is a change to the rule, but in this case it is to help people understand the rule better. The Look-Back Rule is on page 35. The rule is 8-2:
http://www.usssa.com/usssa/usssa-general/2009FPRules.pdf