Tagging up after touching home...

[stl_ump]

This may be related to an earlier question I posted but I'd like to keep that post out of this one...

 

R3 is off and running on a fly ball.  Ball is caught.  R3 has crossed plate.  He realizes that he has to go back and retouch.  He  gets back safely due to a bad throw from the fielder.

 

CAN he legally retouch after crossing home?

 

Thanks

 

[JaxRolo]

No. He can be out on appeal.

 

 

edit: I believe @scrounge is correct. Didn't think it through

[scrounge]

No. He can be out on appeal.

 

Why not? If a following runner has scored, he can't go back. If the ball is dead, he can't go back. If he leaves the field of play, he can't go back. But if those conditions aren't in effect, why can't he retouch? Provided he retouches home first.

[stl_ump]

That's what I was thinking but I can't find a specific rule reference that prohibits a retouch after crossing home. (unless it's a dead ball which it isn't in this case)

[Mad Mike]

I just read through the OBR and could not find any prohibitions against it. Scrounge nailed it in Post #3 for all the relevant conditions that would prevent the runner from re-touching. I did find one other limiting condition in Section 510, an official interpretation from Wendlestedt 512-510: No runner is allowed to return to correct a baserunning infraction after the third out has been made. He may physically return. However, if he is appealed, he should be called out. No run would score. Until the defense appeals, the run still stands.

 

Also, one of the particular items Scrounge mentions an interpetation from the MLBUM: A runner may not return to touch a base or the plate after he has entered the dugout. (5.3)