Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose - 6/25/2009

Question
A baserunner is on second. The ball is hit, and the fielder does not field it cleanly and the ball goes off her glove. As she is chasing down the missed ball, the runner and fielder collide. I was under the impression that once a fielder has had a chance to field a ball and does not do so, the runner does not have to avoid contact.The opposing coach argued my runner was out. To clarify, the ball went off the third baseman's glove and my runner ran into the shortstop going after the missed ball. Also, just to clarify further, I was under the impression also that if the ball goes off the pitcher's glove, then the runner does have to avoid another fielder going after the ball . Please explain so I can definitely speak with authority next time. By the way, the umpire did not call my runner out.

Answer
Hi Peggy,

The runner cannot intentionally interfere with the defensive player so they do have to avoid contact if possible.  It is not a free pass to make contact with any defensive player once the ball is deflected no matter by which defensive player.


RS 33 2009 ASA

It is interference if the batted ball deflects off one
defensive player and the runner intentionally interferes with any defensive player who has an opportunity to make an out.

ASA 8-7-J. THE RUNNER IS OUT When a runner interferes:
4. Intentionally with any defensive player having the opportunity to make an out with the deflected batted ball.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the runner is out. All other runners must return


Fed rules are different so this won't apply to HS play.

Mark