Basepath Collision Rule

Basepath Collision Rule: When, in the baseline and within five feet of a base, there is a upright body to body collision between a runner and a fielder who is in possession of the ball or making a legitimate play to catch the ball, the umpire shall judge:

1. Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable, that is, could the runner have reached the base without colliding with the defensive player and without significantly increasing the chances of injuring himself by sliding or going around the fielder, AND
2. Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate) or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder or keep the fielder from making a catch, such as by contact with the glove hand of the fielder.

•  
  • If, in the umpires judgement, the runner a) could have avoided the collision and reached the base without a strong likelihood for self-injury, OR b) was attempting to dislodge the ball, the runner shall be declared out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball or does not make his catch at all. The ball shall be declared dead and all other runners shall return to the last base occupied at the time of the interference.
  • If a collision is deemed to be intentional or malicious the baserunner is ejected and that team's bench is warned.
• Note, the bulk of responsibility for avoiding collisions is on the base runner.  Umpires will err on the side of protecting position players with their discretion.