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Online now: 2 members: MrsB34, leslie; 44 anonymousDiscussion: Runner going to 2nd on ground ball over the middle with fielder racing to 2nd, both converge and collision ensues - who's at fault?
| Posted | Discussion |
| June 26, 2022 Sweet674 2 posts | Runner going to 2nd on ground ball over the middle with fielder racing to 2nd, both converge and collision ensues - who's at fault? Middle infielder races to bag wanting to complete a double play. Runner trying to win race to the bag standing up. Does runner have to slide or change course away from 2nd? Does infielder have unfettered access to 2nd base in that scenario? |
| June 26, 2022 Turning2 Men's 70 180 posts | 8.6 • WHEN SLIDING IS OPTIONAL - AVOIDING COLLISIONS Sliding or diving into first base or the scoring line or scoring plate is permitted only to avoid a collision with a defensive player. This is an umpire’s judgment call and is not subject to protest or appeal. A player may slide or dive into second or third bases, or when returning to any base. A runner must make every effort to avoid colliding with opposing players while running the bases or sliding or diving. If in the umpire's judgment a runner misses a base to avoid a collision, the runner will not be called out. If in the umpire’s judgment the runner fails to avoid a collision with a defensive player involved in the play, the ball will be declared dead and that runner called out. All base runners except the batter will be returned to their previous base unless forced to advance. If in the umpire’s judgment the runner's collision with the defensive player involved in the play negates a double play, the umpire may award a second out. |
| June 26, 2022 Sweet674 2 posts | Appreciate the prompt, well-written response! Playing over 50 years and never saw this happen, so I learned something new. I'd be shocked to see an umpire call a runner safe for missing 2nd base to avoid a collision, but that's just me! |
| June 27, 2022 Turning2 Men's 70 180 posts | Sweet - The rule above, I just copied from the SSUSA rule book. The portion of the rule about the runner missing a bag to avoid the collision is for the benefit of senior players, to keep them safe. If you click on the tool bar at the top of the website - TOURNAMENTS you can see the full SSUSA rule book when you need a reference for rules, effects, etc Enjoy the website, lot of good folks post, respond, agree, disagree on many topics. Glad to see you on here. RR |
| June 27, 2022 Bruce M Men's 55 98 posts | Thanks Ronnie! I've seen this happen. It was not pretty. In my case, the shortstop was making a double play from the middle. The runner smashed into him, preventing the double play. The runner claimed he was running inside of the baseline, so he was justified. The umpire called the play dead. The runner was called out. In the judgement of the umpire, a double play was not likely, so the batter was awarded first base. Sliding is fine. But intentionally running into a player to stop a double play in senior ball is dangerous...hence the reason for the rule in the first place. |
