Ghost runner
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In baseball and kickball, particularly the schoolyard variety, the ghost runner is an imaginary baserunner.
In general, the ghost runner is not a real ghost and generally not very scary. They are used when there aren't enough players on a team to have runners on all the earned bases and a batter/kicker. Typically a ghost runner will only run on a force play, and only reaches the base when the real runner behind then reaches base. (i.e. a ghost runner can score a run, but only when a real base runner or another ghost runner reaches third)
[edit] Becoming a ghost runner
For any baserunning to occur, a batter must initially become a baserunner. Listed in decreasing commonality, this happens when:
- he hits a fair ball,
- he receives a base on balls,
- he is hit by a pitch,
- a third strike is not caught or is dropped by the catcher, providing first base is unoccupied or there are two outs, or
- the catcher or any fielder interferes with him.
Then, if the team playing offense does not have enough players to continue, said baserunner will be replaced by a ghost runner.
[edit] Running the bases
Unlike a live baserunner, a ghost runner cannot steal a base, but can, depending on rules, advance on a wild pitch. This, however, is not all worthwhile unless he is on third as he will need to be forced to his next base.
[edit] Strategy
A ghost runner is not real, therefore, has a hard time forming a strategy.
