Can a baseball runner run anywhere to avoid a tag?
A · Advanced · Running the bases · 2 of 9No.
How it works
- The rule: out for running "more than 3 feet (0.91 m) away from his base path to avoid being tagged".
- When the path is set: "when the tag attempt occurs", as a straight line from the runner to the base.
- The exception: going wide to avoid a fielder who is fielding a batted ball.
- The lane to first: on the last half of the way to first base, the batter-runner must be in the three-foot lane if they would otherwise hinder the throw.
- Lines are in: the lines of the lane are part of it.
- Passing: a runner who passes the runner ahead of them is out.
- Backwards: running the bases in reverse to confuse the defence is an out.
- Giving up: a runner who leaves the base path, plainly abandoning the effort to reach the next base, is out.
- Hit by the ball: a runner touched by a fair batted ball before it has passed an infielder is out.
- Help from a coach: a runner physically assisted by a base coach is out.
The glossary has the base runner, the tag out, the batter-runner, the interference entry, the base and the diamond.
Tricky cases
A runner swings wide round third base on the way home, far from the line, with no fielder near. Out?
No. The base path is established only when a tag attempt occurs.
A runner caught in a rundown dives four feet sideways to avoid the tag. Out?
Yes. They went more than three feet from the base path to avoid being tagged.
A runner steps round a shortstop who is fielding a ground ball in the runner's way. Out for leaving the path?
No. Going outside the path to avoid interfering with a fielder fielding a batted ball is allowed.
A batter hits a home run and in the celebration passes the runner who was on first. What happens?
The batter is out for passing a preceding runner.
Why the rule exists
A tag would be nearly impossible if the runner could run to the outfield and back. Fixing the path at the moment of the tag attempt, and not along the painted line, is what makes it workable: runners round the bases in wide arcs all the time, and that is legal until someone tries to touch them.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tag attempt | Three feet either side of a straight line to the base | WBSC Baseball Rule 10.7.1 |
| Last half of the way to first | Three-foot lane, if the throw would be hindered | WBSC Baseball Rule 9.10.11 |
| Overrunning first base | Allowed, with an immediate return | WBSC Baseball Rule 10.7.4; 10.7.11 |
| Under 12 | Bases 75 feet apart, not 90 | WBSC Baseball Rule 2.1.3 |
From the rule book
World Baseball Softball Confederation, Official Rules of Baseball (2025-2026 edition), Rules 9.10.11, 10.1 and 10.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WBSC Official Rules of Baseball 2025-2026 (PDF).