“On the other hand, not sure what the catcher could do? Catch the ball up field then come back?”
I have never understood this rule too well. What does a first baseman do when the throw is into the runner up the line? I guess he can choose to stick his arm out into the runner and risk breaking it, or let it go and risk having it go into the seats. So if runs are so important and that 2 out single will drive in a run, why don’t you see first basemen setting up in front of the plate like catchers on infield dribblers where the play is at first?
Freegards
Rounding third and headed for home. (the late Joe Nuxhall)