In the situation where R1 slides illegally into second base, what happens to the ball?

When a runner slides illegally into second base, the ball is declared dead immediately. This is to ensure player safety and maintain the integrity of the game. An illegal slide can involve a variety of infractions, such as sliding in a dangerous manner that could potentially harm another player or not making an attempt to reach the base properly. By stopping the play as soon as such an action occurs, the umpires can prevent further complications and address the infraction.

The other outcomes do not apply in this situation because if the play were to remain live for further action, it could lead to confusion, potential injury, or unfair advantages, undermining the rules set to ensure a safe and fair game. Keeping the ball in play during an illegal action could cause additional problems, so it is critical that the ball is immediately dead to reset the situation under proper conditions.