tag up

Question
Can a runner leave on first touch of a bobble ball(hit in the air) and be safe even if its still caught? Do they have to tag up if someone else(besides the original person) catches it.

Answer
Hi jason

ASA 8-4-d runners are entitled to advance w/ liability to be put out when a legally caught fly ball is FIRST TOUCHED (my emphasis) by any defensive player.

I've answered this question in the past and used this example.

R1 on 1st
High sharp line drive that F6 leaps for, deflects off his glove and carries in LC where F8 legally catches it for the out.

By rule R1 can legally leave the base as soon as the ball is touched by F6 and before it is legally caught by F8.


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