Little League Question?

[parker]

Does the base runner have a straight line to the next base? Can he interfer with the catch? Can he run around the baseman to avoid a tag? Should he run around the baseman to avoid interferring with a catch? I am as confused as a coach can be! One game, runner is called out for running over the SS while trying to catch the ball. Same game runner is called out for running around the tag. The only difference is he had the ball one time and didnt the next. I see it as the runner has a straight line, base to base.

[Tim_T]

Parker, it has been many years since I called a game so I cannot address you question with my own knowledge, but I did find this. http://baseball-rules.com/mostfaqs.htm#interf

The best I can remember about the interference call when it involves a base runner, is that the base runner has to avoid the contact on the fielder who is trying to make a play on the ball. This may have changed since then, but basically, the fielder has a right to be anywhere he needs to be to field the ball and it is up to the base runner to avoid him/her.

An exception would be a fielder who is standing in the base path without having a play on the ball and then the base runner would automatically get the base.

[jcb]

Also, most Little Leagues have a must-slide rule at home plate if the play is remotely close. This is a rule that drives me nuts when an experienced catcher who outweighs a baserunner by 50 pounds blocks the plate when the ball is still on the way home.

[MrSplitshot]

Does the base runner have a straight line to the next base? Can he interfer with the catch? Can he run around the baseman to avoid a tag? Should he run around the baseman to avoid interferring with a catch? I am as confused as a coach can be! One game, runner is called out for running over the SS while trying to catch the ball. Same game runner is called out for running around the tag. The only difference is he had the ball one time and didnt the next. I see it as the runner has a straight line, base to base.

Parker - I used to call Little League years ago. My Dad is a district administrator for Little League.

Those calls can be tough. If my memory serves...

Runners & Batters "Interfere" and Fielders "Obstruct."

A runner is OUT if they run out of the baseline to AVOID A TAG. Simply running out of the baseline is not grounds for calling a runner out, but if they do it to avoid a tag - OUT.

A runner can not INTENTIONALLY interfere with a fielder making a play on the ball or receiving a throw. It's a judgment call. If the ump believes that a runner intentionally runs into (or distracts - Contact not required) a fielder, they can be called out for interference.

Also remember that the "baseline" is defined by the path the runner takes...it's not necessarily the shortest point between two bases in a straight line. If they swing wide rounding first, the baseline is defined by the path they take...in a 3' swath either direction.

In general, the baseline BELONGS to the RUNNER...except when a fielder must come into it to make a play on the ball or receive a throw. While in the baseline, if a runner contacts the fielder it is not necessarily interference unless the contact or distraction is deemed intentional by the umpire. This is a tough one and many inexperienced umpires will butcher the call.

Do some google searches - There are good resources out there.

[MrSplitshot]

Also, most Little Leagues have a must-slide rule at home plate if the play is remotely close. This is a rule that drives me nuts when an experienced catcher who outweighs a baserunner by 50 pounds blocks the plate when the ball is still on the way home.

I don't think that's an official Little League rule, but most have a local rule in regards to having to slide on a play at the plate...it's a safety thing to keep a bigger player from mowing down a smaller catcher and hurting them...but I don't really like it either!

[parker]

Thanks for the info guys!