Randy “RAGS” Johnson

Has anyone ever had worse home/away splits than this guy? baseball-reference.com/playe…

Why was this not called “out of baseline last night?” In MLB, a baserunner is allowed to leave the direct baseline to avoid a tag, but there are limits. Under MLB Official Rule 5.09(b)(1), a runner is out if, while running the bases, they run more than 3 feet (36 inches) away from their established baseline to avoid being tagged, unless they are avoiding interference with a fielder who is fielding a batted ball. How the rule works Runner dodges a tag: The runner can move up to 3 feet from their established baseline to avoid the tag. Runner moves more than 3 feet: The runner is out if the umpire determines they left the baseline to avoid the tag. Defender moves toward the runner: The runner’s baseline is established by their location and the direction they are attempting to advance or retreat when the tag attempt occurs. It is not automatically a straight line between the bases. Runner avoids a fielder fielding a batted ball: The 3-foot restriction does not apply in the same way when the runner is avoiding a fielder who is legally fielding a batted ball. Important distinction: The baseline is established when the defender attempts the tag. It’s a straight line from the runner to the base they’re trying to reach—not necessarily the line between the two bases. You can read the rule in the 2026 MLB Official Rules⁠. Are you asking about a runner who makes a big move sideways to avoid a tag, or one who runs toward the fielder and then veers away at the last second? Those situations can be judged differently.