Definition: A tag is a play where a fielder touches a base runner with the ball, or with the hand or glove holding the ball, while the runner is not touching a base. Once a runner is tagged, they are out and must leave the field.
A tag is required whenever a runner is not “forced” to run to the next base. Unlike a force play where the fielder only needs to touch the base, a tag requires physical contact with the runner. Fielders often try to apply a “quick tag” on the runner’s arm or leg as they are sliding into a base to get the out before the runner’s hand reaches the bag.
Example: The shortstop caught the throw from the catcher and applied a quick tag to the runner’s jersey just before he slid into second base.
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