In Baseball, when you have a runner on a base, and less than 2 outs, and the hitter hits a very high and long flyball, why does the runner on base not advance to the next base – They Look Like they’re contemplating, but never go even If there is plenty of time?

Question

When the hitter hits the ball high and long for a fly out.
Why does the runner not run to the next base?

In: 2

Answer 1

It’s against the rules. The ball isn’t in play until it hits the ground or someone catches it.

However, if you tag up (touch the base you’re supposed to be on) after the ball is caught you can try and make it to the next base or home plate. All you have to do is beat the fielders. If you score that’s called a sacrifice fly.

Runners hang out between bases because you want as much of a head start as you can in case the ball hits the ground but not too far away that you can be thrown out if it’s a fly ball that is caught.