What happens when a runner dives over a fielder?

Prepare for the High School Baseball Umpire Exam. Get ready for the test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions featuring hints and explanations. Ace your umpire exam!

When a runner dives over a fielder, the correct outcome is that the runner is deemed out while the ball remains live. This situation typically arises when a fielder is in the process of fielding a ball and the runner attempts to avoid contact by diving over the fielder.

In baseball, there is a rule pertaining to interference and the act of attempting to avoid a fielder who is fielding a ball. If the runner's actions are deemed to interfere with the play or to have made physical contact with the fielder while diving, the runner can be called out. However, the ball is still considered live, allowing other plays to continue as the defensive team can still attempt to make other outs.

In situations like this, the umpire assesses whether the runner's dive constitutes interference and whether it was a legitimate attempt to avoid a collision or not. The decision can affect how the play continues, which is why the ball remaining live is significant, as it means that while one runner is out, others on base may still be in play.

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