Runner Crashing into Fielder

[Jim Krueger]

Bob,
When does the act of fielding end and the attempt to tag begin? Would that have an effect on this play?

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Jim Krueger

Bob,
When does the act of fielding end and the attempt to tag begin? Would that have an effect on this play?

Yes, in multiple ways.

If this was a run-of-the-mill collision, let's say, R1 just wasn't paying attention, then it would be interference while the fielder is in the act of fielding the ball. If he is now done with the act of fielding and then this type of collision happens, it's probably nothing.

If R1 intended to interfere on the tag attempt, then it is an out and a dead ball.

In either case, if he committed MC (a form of interference,) it is an out, a dead ball, and an ejection.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Jim Krueger

Bob,
When does the act of fielding end and the attempt to tag begin? Would that have an effect on this play?

Yes -- I missed the "about to tag the runner" part of the play description. I read it as "about to field, or has just fielded" -- and my answer stands for that.