Definition

1. Noun:
   • A situation in baseball where a batter becomes a runner, forcing a preceding runner to advance to the next base: This creates a scenario where a defensive player can put out a runner by touching the base they are forced to advance to while in possession of the ball, before the runner reaches that base.
   • The putout (act of making an out) that results from such a situation: The specific play where a runner is called out because they were forced to run and did not reach the next base before it was tagged by a fielder with the ball.

Usage

• The term "force play" is used to describe both the (the condition requiring a runner to advance) and the (the out made because of that condition).
• It is a fundamental rule and common type of out in baseball and softball.
• It is often shortened to "a force" in commentary (e.g., "That's a force at second base").

Examples

• Noun:
  • With a runner on first base and the batter hitting a ground ball, the fielder threw to second base for the force play.
  • The umpire called the runner out because the shortstop completed the force play at third base before the runner arrived.
  • A double play often involves one force play followed by a throw to first base.

Advanced Usage

• "Force out": This is a synonym for the putout resulting from a force play. The terms are often used interchangeably, though "force play" can refer more broadly to the situation.
  • The inning ended on a force out at home plate.
• "Forced out": The passive verbal form describing what happened to the runner.
  • The runner was forced out at second base.
• "Remove the force": A strategic concept where if a runner behind the forced runner is put out, the force situation is eliminated for the preceding runner.
  • By stepping on third base for the out, the fielder removed the force at home plate, meaning the runner had to be tagged to be put out.

Variants and Related Words

• Force (n.): The shortened, informal version of "force play" or "force out."
  • It was a simple force at second.
• Force (v.): To cause a runner to be in a force situation.
  • The ground ball forced the runner from first base to advance to second.

Synonyms

• Force out (n.): The act of putting out a runner in a force situation.

Related Concepts

• Double play: A play where two offensive players are put out as a result of continuous action, often involving a force play as the first out.
• Fielder's choice: A situation where a fielder chooses to try for an out on a runner (often via a force play) instead of throwing to first base to get the batter-runner.

Noun

1. a putout of a base runner who is required to run; the putout is accomplished by holding the ball while touching the base to which the runner must advance before the runner reaches that base
   • the shortstop got the runner at second on a force