[MichaelVA2000]

Originally posted by Gee
As you have seen above, OBR 7.07 concerns a pitch and not a throw ball so forget that rule.

When your setting up for a thrown ball you have to anticipate before the ball is released and after the ball is released depending on the situation at hand. Such things would be, is it a tag or a force, are there less than two out and a throw to a base for two is required, where the ball is coming from, is the ball on line etc. Things change according to the situation.

As to blocking the base. Once the ball is in the air and it is on or over the infield your are now making a play (FIELDING A BALL) and cannot be charged with obstruction so you don't have to have the ball IN HAND TO BLOCK THE BASE UNDER OBR.

Read OBR 7.06:"......The base line belongs to the runner and the catcher should be there only when he is FIELDING A BALL or has the ball in hand". (MY EMPHASIS)
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I have two questions.
When I was a kid I was taught to come out in front of the plate to field the ball for a play at home, though a couple said straddle, and after catching the ball to step the left foot/knee into the baseline facing 3rd. If I'm reading 7.07 right I stop the play at home alright, but put a runner on first! What am I missing here? Where is the catcher supposed to set up now? And at what point is the batter 'interfering' with the play?

Related question: I heard a manager today telling his catcher to straddle the base, but when he got the ball to drop to his knees like a hockey goalie blocking a shot. Again, I was taught, if I had the ball I could occupy the baseline, but still had to provide a path to the base. (7.06 with a little license?)

Thanks,
SD
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Never seemed this hard as a kid.

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In order for there to be a play, there must be a ball and a runner. A ball is in the air over the infield does not qualify as a play. Example: R1 on second base, next batter hits a ball into right field for a base hit. R1 is heading for home and F9 has thrown the ball towards home plate. F2 blocks the plate and the relay throw is cut off by F3 who is located about thirty feet from the plate. There's no play at home so F2 should not be blocking the plate. F2 is not fielding the ball and does not have the ball.

Michael