Example: Runner on 2nd, less than 2 outs. Fly ball to the outfield that the runner thinks will drop. Outfielder catches ball and throws back in to force the runner returning back to 2nd base.

Runner slides in feet first just beating the throw. While the fielder's foot is still on the base, the runner's "pop-up" slide causes him to hop in the air and actually come off the base for a split second.

Is the force still in effect while the runner is in the air or would he have to be tagged?

This is the weird stuff I lie awake at night and think about!

I'm going to say it's not a force / timing play because he has reacquired (not sure if that is the best word) the base. Any chance of an out now needs to be a tag.

You might need to take sleeping pills LOL

Coach, you may be right on both points!!

It was never a force. It was a question of R2 re-touching his base after a caught fly ball was first touched (before the fielder can tag the runner or the base). R2 re-touched his base before it or he was tagged. If he comes off the base now, HE must be tagged to be out.

A force play results from the batter/runner forcing preceding runners. A tag-up is never a force, and neither is the batter forced at 1st base.

Dash,

Okay, it's not a "force." I understand.

I just looked at it like a force where a tag does not need to be made to make the initial out as the runner returns to the base.

I appreciate the clarification.

The important reason to know it isn't a force is whether a run scores or not. If a run scores before a runner is doubled off a base the run scores. A run never scores if the third out is a force. It looks the same but will save you an argument.