- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
I believe the arguement about being able to stop once after each base comes from pretty much the first sentence of the rule. ASA 8-7-T-1 "When a runner is legitimately off a base..... the runner may stop once....."
If a runner is off between 1st and 2nd, stops then advances to 2nd, but rounds second base, they are again legitimately off a base and per the wording of the rule, would be entitled to a stop and reversal of direction. I have seen arguements both ways on this rule, but as yet do not recall seeing a rules clarification on it. For that matter, I have yet to see a situation in a game where it would have even been an issue.
Absolutely true. The manner in which the rule is written, black and white, there is nothing prohibiting a runner from coming to a stop after legally being off a base and the ball is in the circle. The only time the rule prohibits that is if they have come to a stop on a base and then left with the ball in the circle.