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Runner at 3rd. I'm in the C position. With each pitch the runner takes her lead and the F5 trots over and stands directly in front of the bag with both feet blocking the base. Each time catcher looks runner back and fielder walks back to her position. I tell myself that if this catcher ever throws down to third I've got obstruction. Next pitch same thing happens and catcher does indeed fire to third base where F5 is standing with both feet in front of the bag. I put out the left arm and turn to see what happens. Runner does not attempt to go back to third but instead heads home and is involved in a rundown, being easily tagged out a few feet from home. I call dead ball, runner was obstructed on initial throw to third and is put back on third. Many people happy. Many people not.
The real question: did it make any difference that the runner did not attempt to return to third in my calling of obstruction? When I signaled I assumed she would be diving back. She didn't.
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