Fielder in baseline

[C'monBlue]

Originally Posted by lukealex

Runner on first, first baseman isn't holding him on but is standing directly between 1st and 2nd. Who is in the wrong, if anybody, in this situation? What is the ruling if the runner runs into the fielder? What if it is determined to be intentional?

It's not interference or obstruction until it's interference or obstruction. In other words, F3 can stand anywhere he wants (in fair territory). If he obstructs R1 on the way to 2B, then the umpire shall make the award (if necessary). If F3 is in the act of fielding the ball and R1 runs into him, R1 is penalized accordingly. Intentions have nothing to do with the situation unless one judges malicious contact.