Expert: Rick Bundy - 6/28/2010

Question
Can a fielder (second base man or shortstop) be positioned in the base path as the pitcher throws a pitch?

Answer
Scott:  Thank you for your question.

The answer is yes; but they cannot interfere with the base runners ability to take their lead.

As an example, a Little League shortstop positions himself two step from the second base bag, directly in the line between second base and third base.

On the pitch, the runner moves out into his lead, but has to avoid the SS, as he has not vacated that spot.  That would amount to interference by the defense.

If the SS were to take his infield ready steps on the pitch, taking himself forward and out of the path, not interference.

Both judgement calls by the umpire, unless there is actual contact between the two.

This similar situation can come up for older players that are leading off.

A lot of high school teams like to run a pickoff at second base, where they dog the runner with the SS, coming up behind the runner, then going to the runner's left and around him, back across his face towards third base.

As the SS crosses in front of the runners vision, the pitcher turns and throws to the 2B, who is covering on a timed play.

The issue which comes up in this scenario is whether it is determined that the SS obstructs the runners ability to get back out into his lead.

Players are taught to work back to the bag; but as the SS leaves, good aggressive runners will come right back out with the SS as he leaves.  

It is that aggressiveness that makes it such a great pickoff.  However, the SS has to be careful to allow the runner the space to work his lead either direction he wishes to.

Yours in baseball,

Rick