Quote:
Originally posted by SamNVa
Tom,
Based on ASA's requirement that "the ball be closer to the fielder than the runner", I have always required the fielder to catch the ball before the runner made contact with her. So personally, I don't really see any difference between the old rule and the new rule. IMO, a train wreck only happens when the throw pulls the fielder into the runner's path, otherwise you either have obstruction or an out.
SamC
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Here is the difference:
Ball beats runner by 15 feet, hits catcher's glove, chest, glove again and then drops to the ground as runner goes around catcher.
Old rule: Nothing. Catcher was permitted to be in the basepath as the "about to receive" requirement was met.
New rule: Obstruction. Without possession the catcher has no right to be in the basepath.