Odd Play

[PetroGuy]

I thought the batter was in the coaches box. To get there he had to unoccupy the base. Since he moved past the base (i.e. vaugely towards home) and not back towards second base, I would interpret this as the batter passing the runner since the runner is ON third base.

[TurboAg]

OK, PetroGuy, I see what you are saying. Since the rule does not clearly state what constitutes "passing", it's left up to interpretation of the umpire. Generally, I've seen "passing" interpreted as passing the preceding runner, going toward the same base. In this case, the batter basically continued in a line from 2nd to 3rd, and didn't turn toward home, so didn't pass the preceding runner. However, you might make the argument that he left the base path and should be put out for that, without having to be tagged.

[danmcc]

Great dialog, I have learned a good deal. Thanks.