is he out?

Question
We just played a game where a player hit the ball and he passed the runner already on first on their way to second- the umpires didn't call him out because they said he got behind her again and she ended up touching second prior to him so it didn't matter he passed her- is this correct?  

also, on a batted ball to shortstop with a runner going from second to third how much room does that runner have (feet?) to avoid a tag play before he is called out of the baseline? and if he passes in front of the shortstop after the ball is hit (while he is in the baseline) can the runner be called out for interference? - he did not touch the ball or fielder in any way

Answer
Hello JoEllen,

If a runner is detected passing a previous unobstructed runner before that runner is out, then he would be out.  Who touched the base first is not relevant.  

You are permitted run 3 feet from the bath path to avoid a tag.  The base path is defined as a straight line from your location to the base.  So if a player was rounding the bases, the natural line for that person to run would determine that baseline.  Some people are under the impression that the baseline is a line measured directly from one base to the next, but the rules are worded to define the baseline as the path which a runner would normally take while running bases.  I don't know of anyone who makes a perfect 90 degree turn when running wide open and that is the reason the rule is written this way.

Yes he can.  If in the umpires judgement, he was deliberately trying to obstruct the fielders view of the ball, runner interference can be called.  This would have to be very deliberate to be called since you often see runners hurdling a ball.  I hope this was helpful.

Coach Mike