A runner is out if tagged with the ball while not touching a base.

A runner is out if tagged with the ball while not touching a base.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only on a steal
• D. Only in the ninth inning

Answer: (B)

In baseball, a runner is out if a fielder has the ball and tags the runner while the runner is not touching a base. This rule applies on any play, not just steals or late innings, so the statement is true. If the runner is touching a base, the tag doesn’t retire him because the base touch is safe; the out only happens when the tag occurs while the runner is off the base. For example, if a runner leaves a base and is tagged with the ball before reaching the next base, the runner is out.

In baseball, a runner is out if a fielder has the ball and tags the runner while the runner is not touching a base. This rule applies on any play, not just steals or late innings, so the statement is true. If the runner is touching a base, the tag doesn’t retire him because the base touch is safe; the out only happens when the tag occurs while the runner is off the base. For example, if a runner leaves a base and is tagged with the ball before reaching the next base, the runner is out.