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Baseball Instruction/Infielders standing in runners path

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Expert: - 5/13/2009


Question
Martin, in little league I instruct the infielders to stay off the running line if there is a runner on the bag, several coaches have disputed this with me and I belive its interference if the runner has to run around the players in order to advance.....also basemen standing on the bag when there is no play to the bag...slowing runners to a stop

Answer
Craig,

This would be considered obstruction, both in the base path and on a base with no ball.  However, if the fielder is in the process of fielding a ball, and runs into the running lane, it is up to the runner to alter their path as to not interfere with the fielder.

I hope they tread carefully with the players in the running lane.

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

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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