I’m sure this is the most common area of questioning, but I need some help.
A runner is on third, a wild pitch is thrown. Runner advances towards home, catcher retrieves the ball. The catcher fully enters the baseline to block homeplate while having possession 1.5 steps in front of the runner. Runner does not have the ability to slide at this point and a collision occurs. Catcher goes down hard and drops the ball. The runner does not lower his shoulder, but raises his hands in front of him as if surprised that the catcher got in the baseline so close to him. It doesn’t appear to be a push, more of a defensive instinct.
I know the catcher can block the plate as long as he has possession, which he does, but he blocks it so close to the runner (1.5 little league steps), it seems intended to cause a collision, rather than just applying the tag from the Iside.
Is this just a no-call situation, or are the raised hands enough to constitute malicious intent?
On the flip side, if the catcher had retained the ball, would the catchers actions constitute malicious intent stepping into the baseline so close to the runner?
I appreciate the advice!
