When a runner reaches base, his goal is to get around the bases and find a way to get home so he can score a run for his team. His options are wide open because he is free to attempt to steal bases, advance on sacrifice bunt and go as far as his speed, base-running talent and nerve will take him. However, he cannot do anything to prevent the defensive player from fielding the ball.
Advancing on the Bases
A runner can advance by stealing the base in front of him. He does this by taking a lead off the base, and then taking off for the next base when the pitcher throws home. As he approaches the base, he must slide in to avoid the tag of the infielder and cannot slide past the base. In youth league baseball, the runner cannot take a lead. He also must wait until the ball crosses home plate before attempting to steal. Runners can only slide feet first in youth league baseball. Headfirst slides are illegal and will result in the runner being called out.
Interference
The runner may not interfere with the fielder in any way when the ball is in play. The runner does not have the right to stay in the base path and advance from first to second or second to third if it means he will make contact with the fielder. The fielder always has the right to catch the ball without impediment. If a runner moves into the fielder's path and hits him or even obscures his position to the point where he cannot see the ball, the runner is declared out and the umpire may even award a double play if he believes that's what would have occurred if the interference had not taken place.
Obstruction
If a fielder who is not directly involved in the play gets in the path of the base runner, the umpire may award the runner an extra base or even two. For example, the runner on second base may take off for third on a ground-ball hit. As the runner is nearing third base, he decides to try to score. If the third baseman drifts into the base runner's path and makes contact, the umpire can award the runner home plate if he believes he would have gotten there. The umpire will wait for the play to finish and then award the base runner the extra base. However, if he believes the runner would have been out at the plate, he will put the runner back to third and leave him there as the next batter comes to the plate. The obstruction call is made at the full discretion of the umpire.
Baserunning Tips
Baserunners at all levels of play can overrun first base. This is allowed so runners can go at full speed to beat out a throw. If the runner makes a distinct move toward second after crossing first base, he can be tagged out by an alert first baseman. However, the move does not mean turning to the left when going back to first base. It means taking at least one step toward second.
Two runners cannot be on the same base at the same time. This may happen after a great catch in the outfield when one runner takes off because he believes the ball will not be caught while the other waits on the base to see if it is caught. In this case, the runner who advanced to the base would be called out if he were tagged and standing on a base at the same time as the runner who started out at that base.
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