There is one common misconception about overrunning first base.
Some want to argue that a player has to turn to the right (foul territory)
after crossing first base in order to safely return to the base without the
chance of being tagged out. This is incorrect as there is nothing in the rules
that state which direction the player must turn. The rule states that the
runner cannot be tagged out after overrunning first base as long as he/she
immediately returns to the base.
Of course there is an exception to this rule, in that the runner
can make no attempt to go to second base or he can be tagged out. This comes
down to the judgment of the umpire and not
whether the player turned into foul territory or not after crossing first base.
The other exception to the rule has to do with immediately
returning to the base. If a runner overruns first base and thinks that he is
out or that there are 3 outs, and proceeds to walk towards the dugout or his
defensive position, he can be called out on appeal after the base or the runner
is tagged.
Although it's not stated the rule book, the reason for overrunning
first base is based on the fact that the momentum of the runner doesn't allow
for him to stop on first base. So keep in mind that if a player runs to first
base and then stops on the base, he is not then allowed to overrun the base and
get back without the chance of being tagged out. Once he steps off the base in
any direction in that scenario, he is fair game.
Some weird things can happen on this play, one being the first
baseman attempting to tag the runner as he returns to first (believing he made
an attempt at second) and the runner attempting to not be tagged as he gets
back to first base. Although it may make him appear to be guilty of trying for
second if he attempts to avoid the tag, he should be called safe even if
tagged, if he didn't make an attempt toward second.
Finally, some leagues allow a batter-runner to overrun first base
on a walk or hit by pitch while others do not. Little League does. This situation may come up, so ask your umpire how he calls
it. It will save you heartache during a
game.