noumpere

Are you talking about the OP or is this a general question? If it's the latter, it's not complete; a fielder can maintain protection even after "booting" the ball and can "regain" protection, with teh specifics varying by rules code, I think.

It won't happen unless the runner is either Calvin or Hobbes, and the umpire is Frank Drebin. This is from JEA (with old rule number references). It might be read as requiring the runner to be on the base (not "retouch and attempt to advance") -- note the historical reference to the runner being liable to be put out while returning.. 5.09(e) The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when a foul ball is not caught; runners return. The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases. Cross References: 3.01 End Note, 5.11 Historical Notes: The game was originally designed to be played at a faster pace than the game we know today. Following a dead ball, umpires traditionally put balls into play sooner than they do today; and a runner who failed to return to his base before being tagged after a foul ball was liable to be put out. In 1887, runners were relieved of the responsibility of running while returning as long as they did not "unnecessarily delay the game." Professional Interpretation: Technically speaking, the umpire is at fault for ever putting a ball back in play before runners legally retouch their bases. However, to expedite play, this is done frequently. Customs and Usage: Professional umpires routinely put the ball back in play before runners actually retouch. As a matter of fact, many runners never actually retouch their original base before the next pitch is delivered. This is a common and accepted practice in pro baseball. Umpires, however, are cautioned to make sure runners are back in the “close vicinity” of their original bases before they put the ball in play in accordance with Rule 5.11.

7.08(f) is (I think) now 5.08(7) in OBR (although there are other rules relating to dead ball and when a batter becomes a runner that have similar wording), and it includes a statement you left out: (7) He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has gone through, or by, an infielder and no other in - fielder has a chance to make a play on the ball. And, on a high-chopper that hits R1, the ball was *probably* to F3's right so at most levels F4 would have a play.

Then the run counts and can't be "undone."

Carnac: What does the fight announcer say when he hears the opening bell?

Unless the slowpitch softball rule on this is different from the baseball rule, this should have been OBS on the fielder

You shouldn't see that in football (I don't know enough about hockey to comment). But, I would caution about over-applying standards from one sport to another; you need to do what's "right" / accepted for each individual sport.

Catcher. FED used to have a rule that "any fielder" could catch it, but that was changed several (8?) years ago.

That was always* the rule. * -- Sr. Azul will be along shortly to tell you that I am wrong to use the term "always" with some cites to show that in 1859 there were no foul tips, that the rule was added in 1906 but didn't include gloves because catcher's didn't wear them, that it was an out for one year only in 1908, then became a foul ball fro two years before essentially the curretntrule was adopted in 1911. OR, something like that.

This is the highest level of interest for you? Or, did you mean piqued? I'm waiting with baited [sic] breath for the answer. (I will add that I agree with the previous answers that the first depends on the code and the second is legal as described. As a practical matter, though, it's very difficult to have F1 execute this "option." Either he commits to the pitch, and then tries to adjust and does something that creates a balk, or he's looking for the option and then can't make an accurate pith or an accurate throw to second.)

No one (I don't think) is saying the latter. But, you can move to a different spot to see the play -- maybe about in the 1b-2b baseline, or maybe even with the 45' running lane, but a step "forward" (toward the home-1b line) of the mound. Or, get out of the way and then move back toward the "right" position as the ball is thrown (much like covering on a steal, or making the "double play drift." You still need to be ready for any throwback to another base on the second play. And, while you might not always be able to do one of those things, in general you can do them far more often than actually happens. (generic "you" not aaluck specifically)

I don't know if that's what you were thinking -- but that line of thinking is wrong. Only if F1 is removed for excess visits, or injury (requiring the replacement to take more than the 8 warmup pitches), or (something else that escapes me -- maybe not facing the one batter) can starting F1 not return to pitch.

Why not? (I didn't read the rest of the post)

On the wireless? Yes, I remember that.

And if John isn't looking (because this happens at the *exact* same moment R2 is rounding third, or PU gets blocked out or something), then you have to make up a call and everyone knows it. There's no answer that works all of the time. You can get better odds if you pay attention not only to the play but to what your partner is / can be looking at, and some knowledge of his abilities. When in doubt, I favor making the call first.