What is the ruling if a runner on base makes malicious contact with a fielder who is out of the baseline?

In the scenario where a runner on base makes malicious contact with a fielder who is out of the baseline, the ruling is that the runner is declared out and ejected. This decision is based on the principle that player safety and sportsmanship are paramount in the game. Malicious contact is viewed seriously because it can lead to injuries, and the rules are designed to deter such behavior.

When a runner intentionally makes contact with a fielder, it signifies an act of aggression that goes against the spirit of the game. Ejecting the runner sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. This ruling ensures that all players are held to a standard of fair play and that the integrity of the game is maintained.

The other choices do not reflect the severity of the action. For instance, simply allowing the play to proceed without penalties would undermine the rules and the safety of the players involved. A warning for unsportsmanlike behavior would not be sufficient in this case, as malicious contact is a serious violation that warrants stronger consequences. Additionally, assessing a team penalty would not address the individual accountability of the runner involved in the incident. Each of these reasons supports why the correct ruling is for the runner to be declared out and ejected.