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"Yes, it is the fielder's responsibility to stay out of the R path. However, that does not mean you are automatically going to call OBS if you believe the R was running AT the fielder for the purpose of INT or to draw an OBS call".
Hi Mike,
So in a situation where a runner drifts six whole feet from a direct path in a steal attempt what would you rule? Should the fielder have to leave her "ready position"? I'm just curious what you would likely have ruled as the play is described. It would seem like this runner was at fault and may have been trying to draw the call. Of course running perfectly when looking at the batter is not that easy. I want to be as sure as possible before taking away anything from a runner, and would like your opinion, and that of others that have a lot of experience in the tricks that are played by some players. Would it take more proof in your mind that it was his/her intent to draw the OBS call?
And in the other case presented, where a runner sees a fielder standing about a foot to the far side of a base, yet takes that long route anyway, it would seem like that runner may have also been trying to draw the call here as well. However since she had what seemed to be a sure triple, an attempt to draw the OBS call would seem unlikely. In either case I can see an argument from both benches no matter what the Umpire calls. As presented,...if you don't mind, would you share what would you probably would have called?
To summarize: Since it's the fielders responsibility to get out of the way, but one must judge if the runner is intentionally trying to cause OBS, would you rule neither one of these situations OBS, one OBS, or both OBS? Which ones, if any, and why. Thanks, Ya gotta love this game! ..Al
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