Running to first base

Question
We had a player who ran to first base. The first baseman missed the throw. Our player ran past the bag and stopped running. He turned around to come back to the bag though he remained on the line, he turned to his left to come back to first.

The first baseman tagged our player and the ump called him out.

The umpire said because our player turned and looked at the ball he could be tagged out. My contention was that our runner could look all he wants if he did not turn into the field or attempt to run to second he should be able to simply return to the bag.

Help. In  your response, would you be kind enough to cite the rule as well.

Thanks for your service.

Phillip  

Answer
Hi Philip,

POE 37 "after overunning 1st base the b-r may legally turn to his left or his right when returning to 1st base.  If any attempt is made to advance to 2nd....he is liable for an appeal out if tagged by the defensive player with the ball while off the base.

As an umpire I must see a legitimate attempt to advance (or a fake attempt such as a juke or a step-stutter, ect) before I would call someone out.

mark