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On a base hit with no one on base, it would
be possible for a rundown to develop on the batter-runner between
1st and 2nd or between 2nd and 3rd or conceivably between 3rd and
home. If a rundown develops between 3rd and home, the umpires will
split the rundown half-and-half, i.e., the plate umpire will take
the home plate half of the rundown while the base umpire takes the
3rd base half. Communication between the umpires would be, "I've
got this half, Sam! I've got this half" or "Half and half! Half and
half!"
With multiple runners on and a rundown develops between 3rd and
home the base umpire has initial responsibility. As soon as
possible, the plate umpire should move out from behind the plate and
communicate to his/her partner "I've got it all!" The base umpire
will then release to cover the other runners.
The rundown between 1st and 2nd or between 2nd and 3rd is handled
in a similar manner. In this case, once the plate umpire sees that a
rundown is developing, he/she will run down the foul line
approximately 3/4 of the way towards 1st or 3rd staying about 3 feet
in foul territory. He/she must be careful not to run his/her partner
off during the rundown, but instead should wait until the
batter-runner (runner) is moving away from him/her. As he/she moves
in and is ready to assume responsibility, he/she will communicate to
his/her partner; "I've got this half, Sam! I've got this half!" The
plate umpire will then be responsible for any play made on the
batter-runner (runner) in his/her half. The base umpire will have
the responsibility for the rest of the rundown. |
