- Jul 4, 2013
- 128
- 43
With runners at first and second, a ground ball was hit to short. The shortstop started the play positioned behind the baseline, and the runner from second is running a direct path from second to third. The shortstop charges the ball and attempts to field it in the baseline right before the runner arrives. The shortstop got to the ball before any collision but didn't field the ball cleanly. The ball popped out of her glove toward the pitcher. But very quickly after the shortstop dropped the ball, the runner from second collided with her. They both fell.
At least that's what I believe I saw. The runner from second was mine, so I'm biased. She says she was watching the ball to try and make sure she didn't get hit and didn't see the shortstop charging in until it was too late to avoid her.
The ump ultimately called the runner out for interference. ASA rules (USA I suppose). No one got hurt, and it wasn't a gamechanging play. As I sat waiting for them to decide what to do, I thought (alternatively, I was hoping) the runner might be called safe since the shortstop had already dropped the ball before the collision. In fact, I thought it might have been obstruction since she didn't have the ball when the collision happened. But the collision was very quick after the attempt to field the ball. If the ump thought the fielder might have picked up the ball and made a play on someone but for the collision, I'd say that was doubtful. But I don't even know if that matters.
Where do you draw the line? When does responsibility shift from the runner giving the fielder a chance to make a play to the fielder getting out of the runner's path?
At least that's what I believe I saw. The runner from second was mine, so I'm biased. She says she was watching the ball to try and make sure she didn't get hit and didn't see the shortstop charging in until it was too late to avoid her.
The ump ultimately called the runner out for interference. ASA rules (USA I suppose). No one got hurt, and it wasn't a gamechanging play. As I sat waiting for them to decide what to do, I thought (alternatively, I was hoping) the runner might be called safe since the shortstop had already dropped the ball before the collision. In fact, I thought it might have been obstruction since she didn't have the ball when the collision happened. But the collision was very quick after the attempt to field the ball. If the ump thought the fielder might have picked up the ball and made a play on someone but for the collision, I'd say that was doubtful. But I don't even know if that matters.
Where do you draw the line? When does responsibility shift from the runner giving the fielder a chance to make a play to the fielder getting out of the runner's path?