Interference or Obstruction?

Question
QUESTION: I ran across a situation last night at a little league game. Runner on 2nd base. The batter hit a short pop-up to the shortstop of the infield. There was a collision with the shortstop and base runner (in the base-line). The shortstop did not make the catch and the runner and batter was safe. No call was made which confused me. Was this correct?


ANSWER: No.  Interference should have been called on the runner.  By rule, it is up to the baserunner to avoid a fielder making a play on the ball at all costs.  If he has to go out of the base line to do this, that's fine, but he can not in any way impede, hinder, confuse the fielder making a play.  I hope this answers your question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I thought so. Who is out on the play?

Answer
The runner causing the interference is out and all runners must return to the base last obtained at the time of the interference, which is likely where they started.  However, since the batter is entitled first base, if there was a runner there to start the play he would have to move up to second.