If a runner slides into second base and displaces the fielder without the ball, what is the ruling?

When a runner slides into a base and displaces a fielder who does not have the ball, the ruling is that the runner is out for interference. This situation occurs because baseball rules prioritize the protection of fielders who are in the act of fielding the ball, even if they have not yet gained possession.

Interference is recognized when a runner intentionally or unintentionally makes contact with a player in the field, hindering their ability to make a play. In this scenario, the runner did not allow the fielder to legally occupy the base or make a legitimate play, leading to the runner being called out as a result of the collision or displacement caused during the slide.

Understanding this rule is crucial, as it emphasizes not only the runner's responsibility on the bases but also the safety and rights of the fielders on the defensive side.