During an ASA game, nobody out and a runner on first, our 3rd baseman fielded a ball cleanly off the bat. He threw to middle IF who was waiting at second base. Clean, quick exchange there, and in turning to throw to first, the MInfielder hit the baserunner in the shoulder as he didn't get out of the base path (narrowly missing his face in fact). The baserunner was at best 2/3 of the way to second......just kept running straight down the base path. Umpires said he doesn't HAVE to slide....and consequently the batter ends up safe on first base. We get accused of "throwing at him" and end up in all of the escalation/arguing getting a warning from the umpires.
I understand he doesn't HAVE to slide...... But in taking one for the team like that isn't he interfering with the play at first?
Thanks!!!
I understand he doesn't HAVE to slide...... But in taking one for the team like that isn't he interfering with the play at first?
Thanks!!!