Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Ives
So basically, all the defense has to do to get an out is to physically prevent a runner from touching a base (obstruction) then get the out on appeal because the obstruction didn't remove the runner's responsibility.
Neat. What a great game this softball.
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That certainly isn't what I stated, nor would have ruled.
If a defender PHYSICALLY prevents the runner from touching a base (i.e. sits or lays on top of the base, pushes the runner away from the base, etc.), I will not penalize the runner for not touching that base.
This is a live ball situation and the runner has a right to attempt to advance as far as they see fit. The runner should not be held to the mercy of an umpire's judgement due to a defender preventing them from touching a base.
As for the runner knowing or seeing the delayed dead ball signal, they don't need to see it or hear a call. They have additional guides on the field that should do that for them in the form of base coaches.