Runner on 1st base, 1 out (fly ball)

If offensive baseball is predicated on getting to 2nd base with 2 outs and getting to 3rd with 1 out, then this situation offers up some interesting dynamics.

When a runner is at 1B with 1 out he needs to be very aware of potential fly balls situations. If a routine fly ball is hit where the outfielder is camped under the ball, the runner at 1st should most definitely consider hustling back to tag. When should this be done is the sticky part to this process.

You absolutely can not go back to tag if the outfielder is running at the ball. Running at the ball means running in any direction. The assumption is that the outfielder might not get to the ball. If there is any doubt that the ball won't be caught the runner at 1st can't tag. Besides the fact that he could be forced out at 2B, there is the possibility that the batter could actually pass the runner tagging. This would result in the batter being called out.

The time to tag is when the outfielder has a routine play. While he camps underneath the ball the runner at 1st should sprint back to the bag in order to tag to move into scoring position.

Again, this is not necessarily the prudent play with 0 outs. But, with 1 out this is certainly very astute baseball to try and move into scoring position.