[GarthB]

Patrick said:

Uhh, Chris, Your balk example is unrelated. Please reread the situation. The situation FED presented was as follows:


A batter hits a fair grounder.

A fielder yells "I got it!".





In fairness to FED, lets stick to the real situation, which was:

The second baseman calls "I got it" and acts as if it is a pop-up. The runners stay at their respective bases and a double play is made, second to first.

See the difference?

As one who has had this play, except with R1 only, I do. A ball comes off the bat incredibly fast, everyone is trying to track it. F4 is looking straight up in the air, pounding his glove, dancing in a circle and yelling, I'VE GOT IT, I'VE GO IT.

The runner's attention is grabbed by this action and comment and ventures off his bag by no more than six to eight feet waiting for the catch or drop.

FED 2-22-1

"Obstruction is an act (intentional or unintentional a well as physical or verbal) by a fielder, any member of the defensive team or its team personnel that hinders a runner or changes the pattern of of play..."

Situation 14 seems textbook to me.

GB