running out of baseline

Question
Hi,

Last weekend we got a runner called out for running out of the baseline.  Our baserunner was on first when the play started.  On a grounder to third, the third baseman threw to second for the forceout.  Everyone thought and assumed the runner was out.  However, unbeknownst to everyone, the ump didn't think he was and failure to make a call either way.  So the runner jokingly ran around the bases and touched home plate.  The ump then called him out for running out of the baseline.  We argued, unsuccessfully, that he can't be out because there was no attempt whatsoever to tag him and that the "out of  the baseline" call can only be called when there's a play on the runner.  Were we right?

Thanks,

Kam

Answer
Hi Kam,

You are 95% correct. A "baseline" is an imaginary line directly between the bases and you are thinking of a "basepath" which is a direct line between a runners position and the base when a defensive player is attempting a tag.

A runner can run anywhere they want if a play is not being attempted on them and cannot be out of the basepath if no tag is being attempted because there is no basepath.  I have no idea how the umpire came up with this call.  you were correct if you gave me all the facts.

Plus the umpire should have made an out or safe call if it was that close at 2nd.  I don't know why they didn't do that either.  

As a sn IF the runner was out at 2nd and continued to run the bases and drew a throw, another runner could be liable to be called out for that 1st runner interfering so I wouldn't make a habit of "jokingly" running the bases.

Mark