interference/obstruction

Question
DR. Ambrose

We had a situation in a 12u ASA league game where the short stop, while trying to field a easy hit ground ball between her position and 2nd base that had not passed her, and the runner leaving 2B collided with each other preventing the SS from making a play on the ball.  There was no call by the umpire, inexperienced umpire. We called time out from the bench after the play to ask about the no call.  The other coach's arrangement was that there should have been "interference" called on the short stop because she was in the "baseline" at the time of the player on player contact.  Our claim was that there should have been interference called on the runner. The umpire come to the conclusion that she didn't see anything. It is obvious that one side of the argument does not have a clear understanding of the rules so, in the interest of teaching the players the correct way to play, could you explain what the right call "should have been.

Thanks in advance and for you service,
Ronnie

Answer
Hi Ronnie,

The primary rule that supercedes anything is the defensive player must be allowed to field the batted ball ANYWHERE on the playing field.  An offensive player must vacate or not enter any space require by the defense to field the ball.

The "baseline" has absolutely nothing to do with anything.

BTW the offense "interferes" and the defense "obstructs"

"the runner leaving 2B collided with each other preventing the SS from making a play on the ball"

this is interference, dead ball. runner out.

Mark