Fielder crashing into runner.

[Dholloway1962]

Originally Posted by GaryBarrentine

ASA Rules

Can a fielder(with the ball) crash into a runner?

Example:

Catcher retrieves an over thrown ball at fence(about 12-15 feet from base line) about 15 feet up the 3rd base line. Runner coming from 2nd, rounds 3rd and is about 10 feet from the plate when the catcher, now holding ball with glove and throwing hand against her chest and at a full sprint, crashes into the runner.

Is this just an out, a wreck, or something else?

GaryB

I know NFHS addressed this last year and made malicious contact by the defense an ejection, same as if committed by the offense.

As far as I know, there is no "defense malicious contact rule" in ASA. But unsportsmanlike conduct can be called and give umpire leeway to deal with appropriately.