Collision In A Run Down

[UnsureAboutCall]

Say we have a run down between first and second. After a few back and forths between first and second the runner commits to second base and is clearly making a run for second. The player who at the time is covering second base gets the ball and begins to run at the runner who is running to second, so they are both running at each other. A collision ensues as neither player was unable to get out of the way of the other. Would the call be obstruction or interference?

[scrounge]

If the fielder truly had the ball before any hindrance, it can't be obstruction by definition. If the runner intentionally tried to swipe or hit the ball out, it could be interference, but not an unintentional collision. Sounds like a whole lot of nothing as long as the runner didn't try to run the fielder over or otherwise commit malicious contact.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by UnsureAboutCall

Say we have a run down between first and second. After a few back and forths between first and second the runner commits to second base and is clearly making a run for second. The player who at the time is covering second base gets the ball and begins to run at the runner who is running to second, so they are both running at each other. A collision ensues as neither player was unable to get out of the way of the other. Would the call be obstruction or interference?

Neither. The fielder has the ball so he cannot be guilty of obstruction. The runner did not hinder the fielder making a play so there is no interference.

[john5396]

as the others have said neither interference or obstruction.

Malicious contact could be initiated by either player, but since you indicate they were not able to avoid, I assume you don't have MC.