Returning to third base

Question
Coach
when a runner is returning to third base after a pitch is made, and the catcher makes a throw to the third baseman for a tag out, should the runner always return to third with or with out sliding?

Answer
Waldo:  Thank you for your question.

There would be no hard and fast rule as far as always returning to third sliding or not.

A runner's sequence at third base:

1.  Lead off in foul territory, so that if you are hit by a batted ball, you are not out.

2.  You can initially take as much of a lead as the thirdbaseman is away from the bag.

3.  As the pitcher starts his delivery, walk towards home plate with the pitch, timing your stop, and return, with the ball reaching the catcher.  

4.  Return to third in fair territory, so that if a catcher decides to attempt a pickoff, he is unable to throw directly to the base without hitting the runner.

5.  Whether you slide or stand up is a feeling you have for the closeness of the play.  By returning in fair territory you have already adjusted the catcher's throw.  If it is close, the runner needs to slide/dive back to the bag.

6.  We teach our players to read the thirdbaseman's eyes and body language.  They will tell you the location of the throw, up, down, in, out or right on the money.  When in doubt, slide!

It looks bad as a runner, and a team looks sloppy, when a player is called out at a base when they did not slide and should have.

Yours in baseball,

Rick