Expert: Martin Hoover - 8/26/2008

Question
As a follow-up to a question asked recently, where Mr. McInnis advised that Little League rules require players to avoid collisions whenever possible, or risk an interference call (for runners), I have this question, something I struggle with as a youth baseball coach: How do I tell my runners to approach first base when the baseman is essentially standing on top of the bag, or draping his foot across the entire bag while stretching for the throw?

My runner has a right to that base, but I don't want to teach them to slide into first to avoid a collision.  That's not baseball.  From t-ball level on I try to drill it into them: run through first, run through first, because too often the little kids want to slow down on the approach to first and waltz onto the bag.  Running through is a fundamental that I want them to learn early on.  Later (age 7/8) we work on making the turn when appropriate, or powering through when trying to beat out a throw.

But too often at the 7/8 or even 9/10 level, the opposing first baseman is literally standing on the bag awaiting the throw.  If our league has a "players must avoid collision" rule, could I argue to the umpire that an obstruction call is in order for first basemen who block the bag?  If the ump doesn't buy it, how should I teach my kids to deal with this at such a young age?

Answer
Buzz,

As an umpire, I would recommend trying to touch the outside of first base, while trying to avoid contact.  You can still instruct your runners to run through the bag, but work into your instruction situations where the fielder is obstructing the bag.  I understand that some umpires will not call that.  You will have more of an argument if your runner attempts to tag the outside of the bag instead of slowing down or plowing into the fielder.

Obstruction is the hardest issue on a ballfield.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have anyother questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover