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I think too many folks hang their hat on a "slowing runner" theory that actually has nothing to do with obstruction in general terms.
The fact that a runner may not be aggressive is the offense's problem and should not be a determining factor in an obstruction call.
If a runner is not making their best effort to advance, how can an umpire "guess" that the defender's position impeded a runner. Last time I checked, a runner is supposed to be watching the ball and the coach, not mapping out defensive positioning.
Another point is how can the affect of a defender's position be considered until the runner has actually chosen a path to the base?
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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