[Gre144]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bfair
[B][QUOTE]Originally posted by Carl Childress

R1 with groundball to F5. R1 approaching 2nd feels he'll be out on force and doesn't slide, steps on 2nd base, but continues running past the base a couple steps. F4 muffs throw from F5. R1, in his attempt to retreat, loses footing and falls, yet is trying to scramble back to 2nd on his hands and knees. After F4 muffs ball, it drops toward left field side of base halfway between 2nd base and runner. As runner is attempting to scramble, F4 dives for ball allowing his body to rollblock R1 into the ground (shoulder hit plus complete body roll thereafter) resulting in a definite crunch of R1 facedown into the dirt. Although F4 reached for the ball, it was apparent his primary concern was to keep the runner off the base through use of his own body. After his body roll, F4 puts tag on R1.

Both players had to occupy same space. Is this considered incidental contact with F4 being allowed to field ball?? Is F4 legally allowed to bodyslam the runner in his attempt to get the ball? Who's to say that if F4 doesn't use his body in his effort to get the ball, that R1 wouldn't be using his body to knock F4 away from the ball as R1 scrambles back to the base?

Is this obstruction???? If so, R1 awarded what base???
This play occurred to my BU partner last Friday.

Freix

I can't remember the section but in Fed I believe you would call obstruction on F4 since he is only protected on his initial attempt at the ball not his second attempt. Can someone help me to find the section in Fed where it talks about the fielder being protected only on his initial attempt at the ball?

Greg