Force Play Rules In Baseball

The force play in baseball allows the defensive team to record outs without tagging the runner. It is up to the players on the team in the field to recognize when a force play is in effect and when it is not. In many cases it is straightforward, however, there are instances when the force play will be in effect at the start of the play but it will be taken off as the play progresses.

Force Play

When a runner is on first base and the batter hits a ground ball, the player on first base has no choice but to run to second base. The batter has to try to get to first base and the runner must run to second base. If an infielder picks up a ground ball and throws to second base and the second baseman or shortstop catches the ball cleanly while stepping on the base before the runner gets there, the runner is forced out. If there is a runner on second base and first base is not occupied, the runner on second base is not forced to run. If he chooses to run to third base and the fielder catches a ground ball and throws to the third baseman, the third baseman must tag the runner to record an out because the force play is not in effect.

Double Play

The force play enables infielders to execute the double play with speed and agility. On a ground ball to the infield with a runner on first base and less than two outs, the team in the field has a chance to execute the double play because of the simplicity of the force play. If the batter hits a hard ground ball to a fielder who touches second base or throws the ball to another fielder covering second base before the runner arrives, the runner is out. The fielder with the ball can then throw the ball to the first baseman. If that throw beats the runner to first, the double play is executed.

Taking the Force Play Off

The force play is in effect when a runner occupies the preceding base. If a runner is on first base, the force is in effect at second base. If there are runners on first and second, the force is in effect at second and third base. If the bases are loaded, the force is in effect at second, third and home. However, if the runner behind another baserunner is ruled out, the force play is out of effect for any baserunners ahead of him. For example, if the batter hits a ground ball to first base and the first baseman secures the ball and steps on first, the force play is no longer in effect for any other baserunners. It is then not enough for the shortstop to take the throw from the first baseman and step on the bag; once the batter is out, the baserunners must be tagged with the ball while in the fielder's control to be called out on the play.

Fly Ball Force Play

A fly ball usually results in an out with the runners returning to the base after the catch is made. A runner may try to advance after the outfielder has made the catch. However, if the runner has taken off when the ball is hit because he believes the ball will not be caught, he may have to race back to the base if the outfielder comes up with a catch. If the outfielder can throw the ball back to the baserunner's original base before the runner returns, he is called out on a force play. One of the most famous examples of this took place in the 11th inning of the sixth game of the 1975 World Series. In that game, Cincinnati star second baseman Joe Morgan belted a deep drive to right centerfield that appeared to be headed for the rightfield seats in Boston's Fenway Park. However, Red Sox right fielder Dwight Evans raced back to the wall, raised his gloved hand high over his head and made a shocking catch. Baserunner Ken Griffey thought that Evans had no chance to make the catch and raced from first to second and was on his way to third when Evans made his catch. He reversed field when he realized Evans caught the ball, but the throw beat him to first and a force play was recorded.