Gozer

Ahh I was looking through the rule book, but wasn't sure exactly where to look. This definitely explains it quite clearly, thank you.

That's not an answer but thanks for the input.

Ok, the bases are loaded in a little league game with the batting team leading 10-1 and 1 out in the bottom of the 5th with a 10-run mercy rule in effect. The batter is awarded ball four, but instead of going to first he begins celebrating with his teammates as the runner from third walks to home plate and touches it, and the celebration takes them out of the dirt circle surrounding home plate. What's the appropriate call if the batter never goes to first base to touch it? When has the batter runner abandoned his right to first base? Can he technically abandon his right to first base in this case? The rules at all levels of baseball are quite clear that the batter runner must touch first to legally force the runners to advance, but the penalty for not doing so doesn't seem as clear. And after ball 4 the ball is still a live ball unlike a hit by pitch. Or passed ball third strike that leaves the playing surface.