Baseball coaches are in the coaching boxes along the first- and third-base lines to help advise base runners on what they should do as they work their way around the base paths. They can do this by giving verbal cues and they can also do this by making motions with their hands and arms. However, they are not supposed to touch base runners as they proceed around the base paths.
Base Coach Positioning
Coaching boxes are designated on both the first base and third base lines. Technically, coaches are supposed to stay in these boxes during a game and when the ball is in play. However, a third-base coach will regularly leave the coaching box and go further down the line to take a better position to advise the base runner. When the third base coach positions himself halfway down the third base line, he has a bit more perspective on how a play is developing and should be able to give solid advice. As long as the third base coach does not interfere with the base runner or the fielders, umpires will not make a call against the coach for being out of the box.
After The Play
Once a play is over, a base coach can walk up to the runner, talk to him and give him a congratulatory pat on the shoulder or hand shake. That is physical contact and that is allowed. However, once play is about to begin, the coach must retreat back to the coaching box where he can issue instructions and deliver signals on what should be done on the ensuing pitch.
Grabbing the Baserunner
If the base coach at first or third base sees the runner attempting to run and he believes the runner will continue to run even though he has been given a signal to stop running, the coach cannot physically stop a runner from advancing. He cannot put his hands on the runner and drive him back to the base or put a hand on him to redirect him. If a coach does this, this is a violation of the rules. An umpire who sees a coach physically stop his player from running in order to keep him from getting thrown out will call the base runner out.
Game-Ending Call
Umpires will rarely make the call, but it has been done if the coach makes an obvious move to stop the runner. This occurred in September of 2010, when the Texas Rangers were in the midst of a 9th inning rally against the Minnesota Twins. Base runner Michael Young came wheeling around third base with what could have been the tying run after a single by Vladimir Guerrero. However, third base coach Dave Anderson put his hands on Young's hands as he rounded the base. Young dove back to third before Twins third baseman Matt Tolbert could tag him, but third base umpire Alfonso Marquez ruled that Anderson had interfered with Young's progress and called him out for interference. That play was the third out in the 9th inning and it gave Minnesota a 6-5 win.
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