Running over the catcher

[bballnj]

Our middle school team had a baseball game yesterday. I wasn't at the game but I understand that there was a play at the plate. The runner moved towards the catcher who had clearly received the ball and was waiting for the runner. The runner hesitated and then plowed into the catcher. The umpire called the runner out not on the basis of the tag but because the runner did not slide into home. The runner was clearly out as the catcher made a good tag. The runner (not my son) was ejected from the game for not sliding. I was just wondering is there a rule that prohibits running over the catcher in middle school baseball or little league? Is this a league thing or is it a common practice in the US at this age level?

[Alligator Bag]

The only rules I am familiar with that allow rolling the catcher are the Professional Baseball rules. From Little League to NCAA, you have to avoid contact with the fielder and definitely NOT lower your shoulder and take him out.

[bob jenkins]

quote:

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Originally posted by bballnj:
Our middle school team had a baseball game yesterday. I wasn't at the game but I understand that there was a play at the plate. The runner moved towards the catcher who had clearly received the ball and was waiting for the runner. The runner hesitated and then plowed into the catcher. The umpire called the runner out not on the basis of the tag but because the runner did not slide into home. The runner was clearly out as the catcher made a good tag. The runner (not my son) was ejected from the game for not sliding. I was just wondering is there a rule that prohibits running over the catcher in middle school baseball or little league? Is this a league thing or is it a common practice in the US at this age level?

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I believe most middle schools play under Fed rules. Under Fed, the action you describe ("plowed into the catcher") is malicious contact. The penalty is: the runner is out, the runner is ejected, other runners return to the base last reached at the time of the malicious contact.

It may have been interpreted as "not sliding", but there is no "must slide" rule in Fed ball. The rule (paraphrased) is "get down, go around or give up."

[DrC.]

We call it "SLIDE or AVOID".
Runners can also be banged out and ejected for sliding with their foot above the knee of the fielder. What I have seen are catchers who are waiting for the ball, in the baseline. Don't be confused as this is not
the runners fault (it is actually defensive obstruction). I always look to where the ball is. If the ball is in front of the runner and a play is imminent, he/she better slide or avoid. They never MUST silde.

[Art N]

Does the runner ever any responsilbity to slide/avoid when the ball has not reached the catcher? Say the catcher is waiting and the ball is almost to him?

[mick]

quote:

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Originally posted by Art N:
Does the runner ever any responsilbity to slide/avoid when the ball has not reached the catcher? Say the catcher is waiting and the ball is almost to him?

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Art,
No, the ball must be there, unless there is a local rule. Of course, the runner may not interfere with a fielder trying to make a play to obtain the ball.
mick