He Made It to Second… But Did He?
Welcome to the first edition of The Umpire’s Call, a new feature where we’ll take situations that come up on the field and explain the rule behind the call.
The goal? A little more understanding of the rules—and maybe a little less “discussion” with the umpire.
THE PLAY:
During a recent game, a batter used a pinch runner from home. The ball was hit into the gap, the runner took off, safely reached first…and kept right on trucking around first and made it to second.
Of course, a pinch runner from home can’t advance to second, so he was sent back to first.
But then things got interesting.
The first baseman tagged the runner and LOUDLY insisted he was OUT because he had touched second base.
THE CALL:
Not out. Back to first.
THE RULE:
Once a pinch runner from home safely reaches first base, his part of that play is over. Period.
Other action on the field involving other runners may continue, but the pinch runner cannot advance beyond first—and he cannot make an out—until after the next pitch is thrown.
So even though our enthusiastic runner rounded first and made his way to second, touching second base did not make him out. There is no such rule.
Back to first he goes.
And now we all know the call for next time—which hopefully means the first baseman can save his voice.
Know the rule. Respect the call. Play ball!