Eli5: why are baseball players allowed to run past first base and not be considered “off base”?

Question

Eli5: why are baseball players allowed to run past first base and not be considered “off base”?

In: 1321

Answer 1

It depends on which way they turn. If they turn left or advance toward second, they can be tagged out. If they turn right (outside the line) then they are just finishing the play.