Thanks grey mule,
I still have a problem deciding at what point a runner slowing down is not obstructed without the "about to receive" line in the book.
A non agresive runner could slow 15 feet(or more) before the plate before the ball comes between the runneer and tha catcher. I feel this has actually made for the possibility of graet difference what one umpire might judge OBS compared to another. I am not saying we as umpires should not have to make judgements, just that this could lead to different interpretation of this rule by creating such a broad range of OBS. As runners get smarter won't they be abel to create OBS by slowing before the ball arrives?
Just something to think about.
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