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1.0 General Rules of Play · 1.8

Double First Base Rule

  • AAA League
  • Single A League

Rule 1: Base Specifications

  • Description: The double first base shall be a single base, approximately 15 inches by 30 inches.

  • Placement: The base shall be positioned with half (the "white portion") in fair territory and half (the "colored portion," e.g., orange or green) in foul territory.

  • Foul Line: The first base foul line shall run through the center of the base, with no gap between the two portions.

Rule 2: Fair and Foul Balls

  • Fair Ball: A batted ball that hits or bounds over the white portion of the base is a fair ball.

  • Foul Ball: A batted ball that hits or bounds over only the colored portion of the base is a foul ball.

Rule 3: Batter-Runner Responsibilities

  • Initial Play: On any batted ball resulting in a play at first base (e.g., a ground ball), the batter-runner must use the colored portion of the base on their first attempt to touch the base.

  • Exceptions: The batter-runner may use the white portion of the base in the following situations:

    • On a batted ball hit to the outfield when there is no subsequent play being made at first base (e.g., an extra-base hit).

    • On a base on balls.

    • On a dropped third strike, if the defensive player (e.g., catcher or pitcher) is drawn into foul territory to field the ball. In this specific case, the batter-runner and fielder may use either portion of the base.

Rule 4: Defensive Player Responsibilities

  • Initial Play: On any batted ball resulting in a play at first base, all defensive players must use the white portion of the base to make a play.

Rule 5: Runner Responsibilities (After Reaching Base)

  • Use of White Portion: Once a batter-runner has safely reached first base, they are considered a "runner." The runner must use the white portion of the base for all subsequent actions, including:

    • Leading off.

    • Returning to the base on a pick-off attempt.

    • Tagging up on a fly ball.

  • Colored Portion: The colored portion of the base ceases to be used by the offense after the initial play.

Rule 6: Penalties for Collisions

  • Interference (Offense at Fault): If a batter-runner uses only the white portion of the base during an initial force play and collides with the defensive player who is properly using the white portion, it is Interference.
    Ruling: The ball is dead. The batter-runner is out. Other runners return to their last legally touched base.

  • Obstruction (Defense at Fault): If a defensive player uses only the colored portion of the base during an initial force play and collides with the batter-runner who is properly using the colored portion, it is Obstruction.
    Ruling: This is a delayed dead ball. The umpire shall award the batter-runner and any other affected runners the base(s) they would have reached, in the umpire's judgment, had the obstruction not occurred.