Quote:
Originally posted by AtlUmpSteve
I don't believe the "step and a reach" is an accepted softball test. I believe the standard to be used is better described in the interference rule (ASA 8-7.J(5), "Intentionally with any defensive player having the opportunity to make an out with the deflected batted ball".
We don't have interference in the play described, since the description made the contact caused by the fielder muffing the ball (thus not intentional by the runner). But the same standard should still apply to determine if the fielder obstructed; in 8-5.B, "when not in the act of fielding a batted ball". If F1 still had the opportunity to make an out (in your judgment), absent the contact, then we are still fielding a batted ball (albeit deflected), and no obstruction. That is the remaining "collision" in ASA (see umpire manual, 2005 edition page 231) which is not interference or obstruction.
Only if you believe that the runner would have been safe absent the contact might you say the fielder was no longer fielding the batted ball, and that would then be obstruction.
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I definitely believe the runner would have been safe if there was not contact.
But, you mention collision. Define what a collision is "in your eyes." We all can read the rule book, but what is a collision.
I ask becuase there was a collision, but the collision caused the runner to be out.