During a tag play, what constitutes a safe release of the ball?

• A. The glove or hand makes contact with the runner or base to complete the tag.
• B. The ball must be thrown to the pitcher before tagging.
• C. The fielder must step on the base while tagging.
• D. The tag is complete when the runner stops moving.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that a tag out happens only when the defender has the ball and makes contact with the runner (or with the glove/hand that is holding the ball) to record the out. That moment—when the glove or hand with the ball touches the runner, or touches the runner on the base during a tag attempt—constitutes the completed tag.

So the best choice says the tag is finished by that contact, which is why it’s correct. You don’t need to throw to the pitcher, you don’t have to step on the base to complete a tag, and the out isn’t determined simply because the runner stops moving. The tag occurs at the moment of legal contact with the ball in possession.