Safe (baseball)

In baseball, a player is declared "safe" when they successfully reach a base without being put out. This determination is made by the umpire, and it means the player is entitled to occupy that base. A player can be deemed safe in a variety of situations, including:

• Reaching a base before being tagged: A runner is safe if they reach a base before a fielder tags them with the ball in hand.

• Reaching a base before the ball arrives for a force out: When a runner is forced to advance to the next base (e.g., because the batter became a runner), they are safe if they reach that base before a fielder with possession of the ball touches the base.

• Obstruction: If a fielder illegally impedes a runner's progress, the runner may be awarded the base they were trying to reach and declared safe.

• Dropped ball on a force play: If a fielder drops the ball while attempting to complete a force out, the runner is safe.

• Interference: If a fielder interferes with a batter or runner, hindering their attempt to reach base, the affected player may be awarded the base and declared safe.

• Passed ball/Wild pitch on a strikeout: If a batter strikes out and the catcher doesn't catch the ball cleanly (resulting in a passed ball or wild pitch), the batter can attempt to reach first base and will be safe if they reach it before being put out.

The call of "safe" is often indicated by the umpire extending their arms to the side, palms down. The exact mechanics of the signal can vary slightly between different levels of baseball.