If a runner misses a base and is on or beyond a succeeding base when the ball becomes dead, which ruling applies?

• A. He may legally return to touch the missed base provided he does so immediately.
• B. The defense must wait until the ball is made live to appeal.
• C. He cannot legally return to the missed base and is subject to being declared out upon proper appeal.
• D. He will be declared out immediately by the umpire.

Answer: (C)

When a runner misses a base and is beyond that base when the ball becomes dead, the only way to address the missed base is through a proper defensive appeal. Since the runner has already passed the missed base, he cannot legally return to touch it. If the defense makes a proper appeal (by touching the missed base and notifying the umpire) while or after the ball is dead, the runner is out. This is why the correct ruling is that he cannot legally return to touch the missed base and is subject to being declared out on a proper appeal. The defense does not have to wait for the ball to be live to file the appeal, but the appeal must be properly executed for the out to stand.