Baserunner

Question
Batter hits  the ball and is rounding first heading towards 2nd and runs into the first baseman (Ball is still in the outfield) He falls and gets back up and makes it to second.  Does he get the next base?

Answer
Freddie,

Your question doesn't have an answer that applies in every situation.  You have described a text book example of obstruction.  There is not an automatic award of a base for obstruction.  At the time of the obstruction the umpire is supposed to judge how far they think the base runner would have made it without the obstruction.  Base awards are made based on that judgement.

One thing that is for sure is that the runner can not be put out between first and second.

So here are some possible outcomes.

Umpire judges that the runner would get to second without the obstruction
   Runner attempts for second and is put out, runner is awarded second.
   Runner attempts third and is put out, runner is out.
   Runner makes it safely to second and stops, no other award.


Umpire judges that the runner would get to third with out obstruction, runner would not be able to be put out between first and third.

Umpire judges that the runner would have only made it to first without obstruction
   Runner attempts for second and is put out, runner is awarded first.
   Runner attempts second and makes it, runner stays with no other award.

Hope this answers your question

Tom