What is the ruling if a defensive player tags a runner with the ball in one hand and the ball in the other hand?

What is the ruling if a defensive player tags a runner with the ball in one hand and the ball in the other hand?

• A. The runner is out
• B. The runner is safe
• C. The play is called dead
• D. A review is requested

Answer: (B)

When a defensive player tags a runner, the action must comply with the rules regarding how the tag is executed. In this scenario, if the defensive player is holding the ball in one hand and tags the runner with the other hand that does not hold the ball, then it does not count as a legal tag. For a tag to be effective, it is essential that the ball is in the hand or glove that is making contact with the runner. If the player is tagging with an empty hand while the ball is in the other hand, it does not constitute a tag, and thus the runner is considered safe. This rule is consistent across various levels of softball and emphasizes the importance of proper tagging technique for defensive players.

When a defensive player tags a runner, the action must comply with the rules regarding how the tag is executed. In this scenario, if the defensive player is holding the ball in one hand and tags the runner with the other hand that does not hold the ball, then it does not count as a legal tag.

For a tag to be effective, it is essential that the ball is in the hand or glove that is making contact with the runner. If the player is tagging with an empty hand while the ball is in the other hand, it does not constitute a tag, and thus the runner is considered safe. This rule is consistent across various levels of softball and emphasizes the importance of proper tagging technique for defensive players.