Quote:
Originally Posted by dash_riprock
Because the runner did not slide legally. If he executes a legal slide, he can legally alter the fielder's actions. The wording is poor, but that's what it means. Intent is irrelevant. The runner is interfering with a fielder, not with a thrown ball.
|
+1
It's also worth remembering that on a force play the slide must be directly into the base, which is one place the fielder usually isn't. If the fielder does happen to be there during a legal slide, then the contact is legal, as dash points out.