out at first

Question
Batter on opposing team hits ball, runs through first base, immediatly gets hurt , is sitting IN fair territory, immediatly first baseman ( girl ) tags runner........is runner out? Keeping in mind runner was safe at first on the run through, crossing the bag came up lame but did not turn out to the right. And is sitting in fair territory, no time called.Playing high school rules.
Thanks
Coach Sean Kelly
Branford Bullets

Answer
Hi sean,

By rule the b-r is allowed to over-run 1st base, they then may turn either right or left and directly return in either fair or foul territory.  What they can't do without being liable to be put out is to make any attempt to advance to 2nd.

She would also be liable to be put out if this was an appeal of either missing the base or using the white portion only, so we could have an out in those instances.

If this b-r touched the colored portion and made no attempt to advance and it doesn't sound like she did at all, she is not liable to be put out.  When time is called the offense can legally sub in for her and put the sub on 1st base.

If there was something else going on we should call time when all play stops unless in the umpire's judgment the player required immediate attention.  If nothing else was going on we can call time when it was obvious the runner couldn't return and let the offense sub for her.



Mark