Rule 2.00: Definition of Terms - The Runner FAQs (2024)

No. A runner may not intentionally attempt to dislodge the ball as a fielder attempts a tag. However, if a legal slide or incidental legal contact dislodges the ball, then the runner is not out because the fielder did not control the ball throughout the tag. If the runner committed an intentional act of interference unrelated to running the bases, such as slapping at the fielder’s glove, grabbing the fielder’s arm, or flagrantly using the arms or legs to try and dislodge the ball, the runner would be out and the ball would be dead.

Misapplication of the Courtesy Runner rule (such as attempting to use the Courtesy Runner to run for someone other than the pitcher or catcher; or attempting to use a Courtesy Runner with <2 outs) would be a rules violation. The violation should be detected when the manager reports the use of the Courtesy Runner to the plate umpire. The plate umpire would disallow the incorrect use of the Courtesy Runner.

The courtesy runner is allowed only for the player who was the pitcher or catcher of record at the end of the last defensive half-inning.

B/R = Batter-Runner. The batter-runner is the offensive player who has just finished a time at bat until the play during which that player became a batter-runner ends.

No. This is a rule change starting for the 2021 season. If the batter reaches base safely, they need to score, be retired as a runner, or be left on base when the half inning or game ends for that At Bat to fulfil their offensive mandatory play requirement. If the batter is replaced by a pinch runner, special pinch runner, or courtesy runner, that time as a batter does not count as an At Bat for mandatory play.

No. The Courtesy Runner is a local option available to the offense only with two outs whether using the continuous batting order or batting nine.

Yes. A foul tip is a live ball and runners may advance.

Yes, unless there is a local rule to the contrary in effect for an Instructional Minors program.

Yes. The base is not a sanctuary for baserunners hit by a batted ball and the runner is out. Exceptions are if the batted ball has first been touched by an infielder, the batted ball has first passed through or by an infielder, or if the batted ball is ruled an infield fly.

This is a Time Play. Whether the run scores or not is determined by whether R3 scores before R1 is tagged out at second base (run scores) or R1 is tagged out at second base before R3 scores (no run scores).

Rule 2.00: Definition of Terms - The Runner FAQs (2024)

FAQs

What is the courtesy runner rule? ›

A courtesy runner is someone who is not batting in the game and can be used to run for the pitcher or catcher. This allows the pitcher and/or catcher to get back on defense more quickly when the half-inning ends. The courtesy runner remains a regular substitute who can come into the game as a fielder or batter.

Can a runner slap the ball out of the glove? ›

Can the baserunner attempt to dislodge the ball from the hand or glove of a fielder attempting a tag? No. A runner may not intentionally attempt to dislodge the ball as a fielder attempts a tag.

What is the difference between a courtesy runner and a pinch runner? ›

What is the difference between a courtesy runner and special pinch runner? A courtesy runner can only run for the pitcher and catcher with two (2) outs. A special pinch runner can run for any offensive player.

What happens if a runner is hit by a batted ball while standing on base? ›

If a baserunner is hit by a fair batted ball while standing on a base, the runner is out, unless the ball has already passed an infielder or the infield fly rule has been declared. The base is not a sanctuary.

Which action is not legal for a courtesy runner? ›

The courtesy runner is not permitted to run as a courtesy runner for the (DP), if the DP is only batting, and not playing defense for the pitcher or catcher.

Does a runner have to go back on a foul tip? ›

Runners may not advance and must return to their bases without danger of being tagged out.

What happens if a fielder throws a ball at a runner? ›

EFFECT: A dead ball is ruled and the batter is called out. All runners shall be placed where in the umpires judgement they would have made, had the interfer- ence not occurred. It is not interference if the fielder reaches into the stands.

Can the runner knock over the catcher? ›

Definition. The baserunner is not allowed to deviate from his direct path to initiate contact with the catcher (or any player covering the plate). Runners are considered to be in violation of this rule if they collide with the catcher in cases where a slide could have been used to avoid the collision.

What does PR mean in baseball? ›

Pinch Runner

Can a pitcher come back to pitch in the same game? ›

(b) A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. Intermediate (50-70) Division, Junior League, and Senior League only: A pitcher remaining on defense in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

Can a runner steal a base on a ball? ›

A stolen base occurs when a baserunner advances by taking a base to which he isn't entitled. This generally occurs when a pitcher is throwing a pitch, but it can also occur while the pitcher still has the ball or is attempting a pickoff, or as the catcher is throwing the ball back to the pitcher.

Can a runner steal a base on a foul ball? ›

You cannot steal a base on a “dead” or foul ball. Overthrown or passed balls may be stolen on, as long as the ball is still considered to be “live” The base ahead of you must be unoccupied (unless the runner ahead of you also attempts to steal the base in front of them; this is known as a double steal)

Can you run a base if the ball is caught? ›

Runner advancement

If an infield fly is caught, the runners must retouch their original bases ("tag up") after the catch before attempting to advance. If an infield fly is not caught, no tag up is required and the runners may advance at their own risk.

Why does the catcher get a courtesy runner? ›

The offensive team's manager instructs the home plate umpire that he would like to replace the runner on second base, who is the team's catcher, with a “courtesy runner” so that the player can return to the dugout to get dressed for the next defensive inning.

Is there a courtesy runner in MLB? ›

The player who had to leave the game was free to return to play. The last use of a courtesy runner in Major League Baseball was in 1949. Rule 3.04 of baseball's Official Rules now forbids courtesy runners.

What is a courtesy runner in baseball? ›

COURTESY RUNNERS

A player may not run as a courtesy runner for the pitcher or the catcher and then be used as a substitute for another player in that half inning. If an injury, illness or ejection occurs and no other runners are available, the courtesy runner may be used as a substitute.

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