Batter/Runner stops going to first then....

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Jul 21, 2008
415
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Runner on 1st ball hit to 1st baseman and she goes to tag Batter/Runner going to first, runner stops and takes one step backward. She was called out as soon as she stepped backwards. This part I agree with 100%. The part that i'm unsure of is that the ump awarded R1 second base, ump said she was already at second before B/R stepped backward.

I believe R1 should have to return to 1st base because B/R is not allowed to go backward, she is allowed to stop but not retreat.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
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The batter/runner stepping back is considered interference, ball is dead immediately and all runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If in fact the runner had reached 2nd before the batter stepped back, then it would be a correct call. But, unless the ball was just a slow dribbler to 1st and the batter was only jogging to 1st Im not sure I see the runner making it to 2nd before the call. It is one of those would have had to be there to see it.
 
Jun 22, 2010
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the ump awarded R1 second base, ump said she was already at second before B/R stepped backward.
The umpire applied the rule correctly, as stated by Comp. Whether the ump was correct in his or her judgment . . . nothing you can do about that.
 
Feb 13, 2015
164
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The batter/runner stepping back is considered interference, ball is dead immediately and all runners must return to the last base touched at the time of the interference. If in fact the runner had reached 2nd before the batter stepped back, then it would be a correct call. But, unless the ball was just a slow dribbler to 1st and the batter was only jogging to 1st Im not sure I see the runner making it to 2nd before the call. It is one of those would have had to be there to see it.

Is stepping back interference for all rule sets? Does anyone know the paragraph number for Babe Ruth League?
 
Mar 26, 2013
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Its only considered interference on the way to first base correct?
Correct, rule is specific to the batter-runner - and only when done to avoid or delay a tag.

Under NCAA rules, runner(s) must return to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch, regardless of where they were at the time of the interference.
 
Nov 29, 2009
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So the best thing to do is to have the batter/runner just walk towards the 1st baseman without stepping backwards. The B/R never stops moving. They are just moving slowly.
 
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