Expert: Martin Hoover - 3/12/2009

Question
say a fielder runs in the basepath to step on second to get an out on the runner advancing from first and basically causes the runner to have to step out of the 3 foot area.the fielder is not in the motion of tagging the runner out mind you and basically does not run in a straight line to get runner out.what would be the rule? also is there a rule on two fielders standing on second base at the same time giving the runner from first basically no room to step on the bag? thanks!

Answer
Jim,

These plays you discuss are difficult to give answers to, because you would have to be there to see it happen.

For your second question, if the umpire deems that this is obstruction on the fielders part because they are standing on the base, then they will call it.  The fielders need to understand that the baserunner is entitled to the bag (so are the fielders if attempting to make a play on the bag).

For your first situation, if the fielder is attempting to make a play, then the runner is responsible for maintaining a running lane to the bag.  For instance, the fielder charging a slow grounder will have to cross into a runners path.  The fielder is entitled to the ball, and the runner is entitled to the base.  The runner has an opportunity to change direction, while the fielder does not.  This sounds like one of those situations.  But, I would have like to have been there to see it happen for a clearer explanation.

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

-Martin Hoover