Note: This is not commentary on the (dumb, poorly-monikered) extra-innings “ghost runner” rule that featured heavily in last night’s game. A Google search will turn up insightful and entertaining pieces on that topic; here instead is a brief contemplation of the actual “ghost runner” rule of sandlot baseball. Please also take this opportunity to view or re-view the classic celebration/roasting of the “ghost runner” from Calvin and Hobbes.
“Ready or not, here I come!”
“Tag, you’re it!”
“Ghost runner on third!”
The echoes of certain phrases linger in the corners of parks and schoolyards across the continent and beyond.