I posted this on eteamz as well, but I'm duplicating it here for the folks that don't go there. Apologies to those of you who read both.
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I would just like to clear up a little niggling question that's been gnawing at the back of my mind. (and believe me there isn't much left, so I can't afford to lose much more.)
Anyway, here's my question:
FED has provided a definition for "about to receive a throw" wrt obstruction that essentially mimics the ASA ruling that says basically
the ball must be between the runner and the defensive player waiting to make the catch in order for the fielder
NOT to be charged with obstruction.
Now, since the ball travels considerably faster than the runner, doesn't this statement equate to the fact that the ball must reach the fielder before the runner does otherwise the fielder is guilty of obstructing the runner? Note, this does not mean that the fielder has to glove the ball cleanly, only that the ball must get to him/her before the runner does.
Consider this situation: a play at the plate, catcher is in a blocking position. Runner slides in, runs into the catcher's leg, comes up short and is tagged out.
- Case 1: The catcher receives the ball just prior to the runner sliding in and is just beginning to sweep the tag -- NO OBSTRUCTION
- Case 2: The catcher catches the ball at the same time or just after the runner slides in and then makes the tag. -- OBSTRUCTION
Also given the relative speeds of a runner and a thrown ball, would you require that the throw arrive "significantly" (judgement call) before the runner. I guess what I am wondering is how big is this "magic" distance where the ball has to be closer to the fielder than the runner is? 1 foot, 2, 10?
Obviously it is greater than 0 and something less than 60.
I am interested in hearing youse gents and ladies thoughts.
--Sam