Page:Spalding's Baseball Guide (1894).djvu/148

 If, when the Umpire has declared three strikes on him, while Batsman, the third strike ball be momentarily held by a Fielder before touching the ground: Provided, it be not caught in a Fielder's hat or cap, or touch some object other than a Fielder, before being caught.

If, after Three Strikes or a Fair Hit, he be touched with the ball in the hand of a Fielder before he shall have touched First Base.

If, after Three Strikes or a Fair Hit, the ball be securely held by a Fielder, while touching First Base with any part of his person, before such Base Runner touches First Base.

If, in running the last half of the distance from Home Base to First Base, while the ball is being fielded to First Base, he runs outside the Three Feet Lines, as defined in Rule 10 unless to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a Batted Ball.

If, in running from First to Second Base, from Second to Third Base, or from Third to Home Base he runs more than three feet from a direct line between such bases to avoid being touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder; but in case a Fielder be occupying the Base Runner's proper path, attempting to field a batted ball, then the Base Runner shall run out of the path, and behind said Fielder, and shall not be declared out for so doing.

If he fails to avoid a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, in the manner described in Sections 6 and 7 of this Rule; or if he in any way obstructs a Fielder attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball: Provided, that if two or more Fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the Base Runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the Umpire shall determine which Fielder is entitled to the benefit of this Rule, and shall not decide the Base Runner out for coming in contact with any other fielder.

If, at any time while the ball is in play, he be touched by the ball in the hands of a Fielder, unless some part of his person is touching a base he is entitled to occupy. Provided, the ball be held by the Fielder after touching him; but (exception as to First Base), in running to First Base, he may overrun said base without being put out for being off said base after first touching it, provided he returns at once and retouches the base, after which he may be put out as at any other base. If, in overrunning First Base, he also attempts to run to second Base, or, after passing the base he turns to his left from the foul line, he shall forfeit such exemption from being put out.