OBR 5.09(b)(9)
Passing a preceding runner
A runner who passes a teammate ahead of him on the bases is out, full stop. The ball stays live, and it does not matter whether the pass was intentional — losing track of the runner in front is one of baseball's self-inflicted outs.
Key points
- Only the trailing runner is out; the preceding runner is unaffected.
- Most common on deep fly balls: the lead runner holds up to tag, the trailing runner is watching the ball.
- On a home run, passing a teammate turns the homer into an out for the batter-runner — and it has ended games.
- The pass is judged the moment the trailing runner goes by, even by a step.
In a game
Runner on first thinks the liner is caught and retreats; the batter-runner rounds first with his head down and blows past him.
Ruling · Batter-runner is out the instant he passes. If the ball dropped, the lead runner still has to advance.
Why it moves the scoreboard
Converts extra-base hits — occasionally home runs — into outs, and has flipped the scoring of entire innings.
Related rules