Quote:
Originally posted by debeau
The voice could very well be used as an obstruction .
A fielder comes up very close to the batter and voices obscenities or derogatory remarks and puts the batter off .
The same applies to a fielder using threatening language to a runner who backs off a base and is tagged .
A shout " get out af my way " as the runner runs to a base and startles a runner who misses a stride .
All of these could be obstruction if in the "judgement of the umpire" they think it is .
Could we go further then on the other side can we have vocal interference ?
I think we can .
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I disagree. USC maybe, but not obstruction. Again, stupid is as stupid does. If a runner heeds someone other than a team mate or coach, shame on them. As an umpire, I do not expect the runner to blindly listen to my voice without confirming with the coach if there is a question.
mcrowder was the on the right track, but I just don't believe the words he offered would do it. A call of "foul" or "dead ball" from a defender would more likely fit the bill, IMO, and only if the runners actually stopped.