D3K Question

[Sut'n Blue]

 

FED rules, dropped third strike, batter makes it almost to his third base side dugout when he realizes he can run to first which he does by running a straight line to first - meaning he ran across the infield about half way between the mound and the plate before making it safely to first. Opposing coach complained about the path the runner took but I stuck with my safe call. I can't find anything that says his path was illegal so I think I was right but it was one of those things that just looked so wrong. Did I get it right?

[johnnyg08]

Completely legal.  Defense is responsible for knowing the situation.

[Senor Azul]

Yes, you got it right! And you are covered by rule and interpretation. Check out Fed rule 8-4-2a-2:

When a play is being made on a runner or batter-runner, he establishes his baseline as directly between his position and the base toward which he is moving.

The official interpretation which can be found in the 2015 edition of Carl Childress' BRD on page 81:

When a batter-runner tries for first, his base path is a direct line from where he begins to where he has to go. (Brad Rumble, 3/97)

 

[Gfoley4]

But in OBR the batter is out once he steps out of the dirt circle, correct?

[johnnyg08]

Correct. @Gfoley4

And if there isn't a dirt circle, the equivalent of or if he lingers around home plate not taking advantage of his opportunity to run to 1B (judgment)

[johnnyg08]

MLBUM