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Expert: - 5/12/2007


Question
Ball is coming into home plate.  Runner coming around third,as the ball comes in, it ricashades off catcher's shin guard,the ball is now three feet away from home plate toward the pitcher's mound, with no one having control of the ball.  As runner comes in runner does not slide.  Is runner out or safe?  

Answer
Don,

First, there is no "must slide" rule in baseball, PERIOD!(As an umpire, we try to squash myths!)  

The rule states that the runner can either slide or attempt to get around the fielder.  Since the catcher does not have the ball, he could be called for obstruction if the runner is impeded by him standing in the way.

Depending on whether or not there was obstruction, whether or not the runner tagged home, depends on whether the runner is out or safe.

I hope this has helped, should you have any other questions, please let me know!

-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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