Final answer:
No, in baseball a runner cannot avoid being tagged out by running over any base they choose; doing so is against the rules. Runners must stay within the base path and touch each base in order.
Step-by-step explanation:
In baseball, avoiding being tagged out by running over any base is generally false. Base runners must adhere to the base path rules and may not simply avoid a tag by running wherever they please. The runner must touch each base in the proper order of first, second, third, and then home plate, and they must stay within the base path, which is defined as the direct line between the bases. If the runner goes outside the base path to avoid a tag, they can be called out.
Take, for example, a situation where a runner is attempting to steal second base. The fielder receives the ball and tries to tag the runner. The runner cannot legally run around the fielder outside the baseline to avoid the tag; if they do so, they would be in violation of the rules and subject to being called out.
There may be specific exceptions, such as when a fielder is blocking the base without the ball, which allows the runner some leeway to avoid interference. However, generally speaking, a runner cannot avoid a tag by crossing over any base they choose.