Baserunner/SS Contact

[easygoer]

Baserunner takes lead to 3rd. Continues to move back towards left and makes contact with SS. SS moves back and over and baserunner again initiates contact. Is this intentional contact legal? This is all prior to the ball being pitched.

Popcorn

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by easygoer

Baserunner takes lead to 3rd. Continues to move back towards left and makes contact with SS. SS moves back and over and baserunner again initiates contact. Is this intentional contact legal? This is all prior to the ball being pitched.

Popcorn

Why would the runner make intentional contact with the fielder?

In any event, while it's not specifically illegal, I'd tell the two of them to knock it off.

[UmpJM]

easygoer,

If the runner is intentionally going out of his way to initiate contact with the SS, I would tell him to "knock it off". If he persisted, I would eject him.

Generally, unless the fielder is "in the act of fielding", it is incumbent upon the fielder to stay out of the runner's way. If he's just setting up in a "normal" fielding position and the runner is just looking to "bump" him, it's going to cease and desist in a hurry if I'm the umpire.

JM

[easygoer]

The contact was clearly meant to intimidate the SS. The runner was a foot taller than the fielder and would glance over his shoulder to follow the SS. This was taking place at least 20 feet behind the line between 2nd and 3rd.

Popcorn

[waltjp]

What age group is this? Why not just pick the runner off while he's busy playing games with the SS?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by easygoer

The contact was clearly meant to intimidate the SS.

Then deal with the "intimidation" -- the specifics depend on the age level / league / umpires.