Re: Look Back Rule

Question
Dr. Mark; in an earlier response (where R1 was on third and the BR had received a walk and continued on to 2nd and the umpire allowed R1 to score)you mentioned that "it all depends on what R1 and R2 did and what the umpire perceived they did." My question is "doesn't it depend on what the pitcher did, if anything?" Meaning if the BR wants to continue on to 2nd she has the right, but if the pitcher doesn't play on her then R1 is still bound by the look back rule restrictions "since" she remained on 3rd when the ball had gone back into the circle. (I enjoy reading your answers and up to this point I've agreed with you 100% of the time - GREAT JOB!!!)

Answer
Hi Dave,

I agree if R1 was stopped on 3rd when the pitcher had the ball in the circle and the b-r touched 1st she cannot leave but at the time I didn't get that from the question. I just re-read the question and it isn't at all clear do me just what R1 was doing when the pitcher received the ball.

If R1 was off base when the pitcher had the ball in the circle and the b-r touched 1st she could immediately advance to the next base or return to the base left.

I know this is not part of your question but as far as the b-r was concerned I assumed from the question she touched 1st, turned left and immediately advanced to 2nd.  

However if she moved toward 1st after overrunning or stopped at 1st she cannot advance.  She also can turn left, immediately stop and then advance or retreat.  She can turn left and if she moves back toward the infield in any direction other than directly toward 2nd, she must return to 1st.  Or if she turns left moves directly toward 2nd and stops is committed to 2nd and must advance non stop to 2nd.

So with the pitcher not making a play, the totality of what R1 and the b-r did is what I meant by it all depends on what the runners did.

I didn't say the call was correct (because I don't have enough info). I did want to convey there were scenarios where there could be a legal advance or an out called.

Thanks for the nice comments.

Mark