Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
Quote:
Originally posted by Dakota
Let's see...
1. Catcher sets up blocking the plate without the ball.
2. Catcher catches the thrown ball before the runner arrives. Possession of the ball now makes the block legal.
3. Runner slides into catcher's foot, the slide stops short of the plate but she knocks the ball loose. Slide makes the contact with the catcher legal (assuming legal slide).
4. Catcher reaches for the ball (no step required) picks up ball and tags runner.
Sounds like an out to me. ASA - too lazy to look up NSA at the moment.
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Tom,
I believe you are correct. Under ASA's rules, as long as the catcher had the ball at the time the sliding runner made contact, she fulfilled the requirements to avoid an obstruction call.
Don't know about NSA. Nor did I know they changed their rules.
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NSA's rule for
OBSTRUCTION Sec. 37. Definitions.
b. A fielder, while not in possession of the ball or in the
act of fielding a batter ball or about to receive--etc..etc..
The same as the old ASA and other associations rule. The 2004 Rules
are not out, but the changes are and it seems that they decided to
retain the old rule and not the new that others have gone to. No ball
obstruction.
In rafking's case, would you consider 5 feet about to receive the
ball? That is the decision the umpire would have had to make.