dead ball question

Question
The batter is running to first base and after crossing the bag the ball hits him. Not knowing that the ball actually stopped the runner turned to go to second.  When he realized the ball had got caught up in his legs and stopped he went back to first.  He had only turned towards the infield but didnt really make a move to second.  first baseman picked the ball up and tagged him.  Could this be ruled a dead ball.  My guess is it was still live and he is out.  but i talked the ump into calling a dead ball.  Which is it

Answer
Rob,

You must be very persuasive!  The umpire has to make a judgement call on if the runner had started toward second base.  The rulebook mentions that it isn't just if the runner turns that way, but if the runner starts toward the next base intending to go there.  This might be a case where the umpire didn't feel like the runner really committed.  But if the runner committed to heading over there, then he would definitely be out.  The ball is not dead in either case though.

Hope this helps!

Brian