Commit Line question
Our rules states “After touching the ground on or past the commitment line, a runner may not return to third base, must continue to the scoring line. If the runner returns to third after crossing the commitment line, the runner will be ruled out.“
In tonights scenario, runner ran past the commit line, took 2-3 steps back to third crossing the commit line again. Then went home and was safe before the out.
The other team appealed and I spoke to my 1st base ump. He said it should be an out. I reversed my call but going home I looked it up.
The runner never “returned” to third base but was “returning” to third base. He then committed to home base and got there before the out. Why wouldn’t the rule state that if he attempts to go back to third, it’s an automatic out?
It’s like if my wife asks me if I returned the library book. If I’m on the way to the library I say, “not yet but I’m about to.” I don’t say that I returned the book.