Tag Up

Tagging up is a baserunning rule that requires runners to touch (or "retouch") their current base after a fly ball is caught before they can legally advance to the next base.

How Tagging Up Works

1. Fly ball is hit
2. Runners can advance at their own risk while the ball is in the air
3. If the ball is caught, runners must:
   • Return to touch their original base (if they left early)
   • Touch the base after the catch before advancing
4. If they don't tag up, they can be thrown out on appeal

Why the Tag-Up Rule Exists

Without this rule, runners could simply leave their base as soon as the ball was hit and reach the next base easily on any fly ball. The rule forces runners to wait for the catch, creating a fair balance between offense and defense.

Scoring on a Tag-Up

Runners can advance after tagging up, including:

• Scoring from third on a deep fly ball (sacrifice fly)
• Going first-to-third on a deep fly ball
• Second-to-home on very deep fly balls (rare but possible)

Tag-Up Strategy

Runners consider:

• Depth of the fly ball: Deeper = more time to advance
• Outfielder's arm strength: Strong arms discourage advancing
• Number of outs: With two outs, just run on contact
• Position of the catch: Corner outfielders have longer throws

The Appeal Play

If a runner leaves early:

1. Defense must appeal to the umpire
2. Throw the ball to the base the runner left early from
3. If appealed correctly, the runner is out