Belton Ag said:Isn't the runner on first always forced to attempt to take second when a batter becomes a runner? So he wouldn't be able to "stay" on first, I wouldn't think, because he would be interfering with the attempt to force the batter/runner out at first.Harry Dunne said:
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If the runner stays on first, can the batter run through the first base bag? If that happens, do they at least avoid the double play?
Right?
The tag is required if the out at first happens first, so I think the force is removed and the runner can stay without jeopardy.
We've seen that on shots to first base. The fielder touches first base and throws to second, yelling tag tag tag. That means there is no force.
So, I think the runner could just stay there if the fielder drops the ball on purpose. The defense would then have to tag the runner and then touch the base (before the batter gets there) to make the double play. Touching the base first would negate the force.
I think.