Running out of the baseline
A runner is out if he goes more than three feet from a direct line to the base to avoid a tag. The catch: the baseline only exists once a fielder tries to tag him — until then, his path is his own.
- There is no painted baseline. It is established the moment a tag attempt begins, drawn from the runner's position at that instant.
- Wide turns, roundabout rundowns, and curved paths to the bag are all legal until a fielder reaches to apply a tag.
- Running backward toward the previous base to avoid a tag is its own violation — runners can be called out for retreating.
- Umpire judgment, not reviewable by replay.
Rundown between first and second, runner veers into the grass as the fielder lunges, and the umpire punches him out.
Ruling · Out of the baseline. Once the tag attempt began, he had three feet of latitude and used more.
Ends rundowns instantly and can kill a rally — and because it is pure judgment, it is one of the most argued calls in the sport.
Reference note: one or more section citations on this page are being verified against the current official rulebook edition. The explanation reflects the rule as played; confirm the exact subsection in the official text.