Can the infielders stand in the runners baseline?

by keil
(lubbock, tx)

Keil asked:
The basecoach said my shortstop had to backup because he was in the runners baseline at second base, before a pitch was made.

Rick answered: Keil, thank you for your question.

Infielders can stand anywhere they would like to, as long as they don't impede the runners access to his running lane.

The runner has to be able to move out into his secondary lead without coming in contact with or working around an infielder. If the infielder is far enough away as to not interfere with the runner he is fine.

Runners have the responsibility to avoid a fielder who is in the process of fielding a batted ground ball or pop fly, even if it takes them out of their running lane.

If the infielder is in the baseline when the ball is hit, and he is not in the process of fielding the ball, he needs to move out of the path of the runner.

Hope this helps clarify the situation.

Good luck as you move forward.

Yours in baseball,

Rick