When is a batter runner NOT out for touching the white base?
When the runner ...
• Simultaneously touches the white AND orange portions ... The rule does NOT prohibit touching the white bag, but DOES impose an obligation to touch at least a portion of the orange bag;
• When (umpire judgment) avoiding a collision with a defender covering the bag; and
• When there is no play at first, such as rounding the bag on the way to second ...
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§8.4(1) • BATTER-RUNNER REACHING FIRST BASE
Each batter must reach first base without the aid of a courtesy runner. A double bag shall be used at first base, the double portion of the bag being in foul territory abutting first base. If there is a play on a batter-runner going to first base, the batter-runner must touch some portion of the double bag extending into foul territory. He will be called out if he fails to do so, except if, in the umpire's judgment, the batter-runner is avoiding a collision. The batter-runner simultaneously touching both portions of the double bag is permitted. This is NOT an appeal play.
If there is no throw to first and the batter makes no attempt to go to second, is he out? Nothing at all happened at first.
No call ... PLAY ON ... The key phrase in the rule (above) is: "..If there is a play on a batter-runner going to first base.. ... I cringe as a Director every time I hear an umpire say "batter is out for touching the white bag" because I'm going to have to overturn the call ... There is NO SUCH PROHIBITION so long as he also touches the orange bag simultaneously when a play is made at first ...
