An Odd Play at The Plate

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

R1 on third, no outs. Fly ball to shallow/medium left. Runner tags up and attempts to score. F2 comes out from behind the plate, straddling 3B line. Ball beats runner, but F2 drops the ball. A moment later, R1 collides (everyone - coaches from both teams and umpire - agree not malicious) with F2. After collision, R1 steps on plate and is ruled safe.

DC coach calls time, wants runner ruled out for "not sliding" at home. Umpire rules incidental contact (I'm thinking OBS, but thats just me and beside the point). DC doesn't know when to stop, assistant coach gets promoted.

The umpire was right not to call the runner out for not sliding. If the contact is not malicious, the next question is whether this is obstruction. A fielder is not permitted to block a runner's path without the ball -- whether it's at his feet or in the outfield.

If F2 is holding the ball and the runner does not attempt to avoid him (by sliding or going around) FED rules have him out (8-4-2c), even with no interference call.

Originally Posted by rule 8-4-2

Any runner is out when he...
c. does not legally attempt to avoid a fielder in the immediate act of making a play on him.