Double Play question-Returning to first base

Anonymous asked: With a runner on first, the batter hits it to the first baseman, who steps on first and throws to second.

The runner from first stops advancing as the shortstop charges him with the ball and returns to first base. What is the call?

Rick answered: Thank you for your question!

As soon as the first baseman stepped on first, that makes the batter/runner an out, thus the force on the runner at first is removed.

If the defense is going to get that runner out, they will have to tag him out.

If they are not able to do that before he returns to first base, or gets to second base, he will be safe, no matter which base he ends up at.

Coaches teach first basemen to yell "tag" as soon as they step on the bag in this situation, so that it alerts the rest of the infield that the force is off.

There is additional information at, forceout erased.

Yours in baseball,

Rick