Does a runner going to second base have to slide or veer off on a double play attempt? Does the runner have the right to the base path to second base, thus, the fielder would have to avoid hitting the runner with the throw to first base by stepping out of the base path?

From the 2006-7 SSUSA rulebook: 1.45 • INTERFERENCE Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play. A base runner must avoid a fielder making a play.

Kenny ... The base runner has the right to the base line until the potential interference circumstances quoted by ball_smasher may fit the facts ... We certainly don't advocate this base-running approach, but should the runner on his way to second end up with a new ball-stitch pattern on his forehead because of not veering off to the side or getting down, there is still very likely a potential interference call in play ... Be smart-stay safe-get out of the way ...

hitinrun5.. a base runner is entitled to his running lane as long as he doesn't raise up his arms or swing out his hip (like Reggie Jackson) or bump into the fielder.. if it is a close play at 2B then the runner should slide or veer off and not touch the bag to avoid a collision and should be called safe if in the umpires judgment he would have beaten the throw.. it is up to the fielder to throw over or around him and yes as stated above the runner must avoid a fielder making a play..

B.J.

You are wrong, the defensive player has every right to make the play,and he or she is not required to throw around or over the top of runner, as Dave said in the above reference, if runner happens to have stitch marks then so be it....and in this case runner would be out and double play called,,,,of course ar umpires discretion as always

magsdad.. yes you are correct that when the runner stays in his running lane that the defensive can throw straight to 1B and if he happens to hit the runner then I would have a live ball play on and no INT. on the runner .. again he has every right to be in his running lane

so what would you call if the runner veers to the right or left and the defensive player came across 2b and then attempts the throw and the runner who veered is now in his way?? would you call him out for INT ??

DD .. did give the ball-stitch pattern on the forehead of the runner reference but he did not say that he would have an INT. call

magsdad ... I didn't address any potential additional issues because it wasn't clear to me whether or not the OP had made it clear if the first put out of the double play attempt had occurred ... I agree with B.J.'s analysis and speculative conclusions ...