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Originally Posted by CecilOne
I agree it's nothing by rule, except NCAA etc.
For arguement/devil-advocate sake, if we ask the question of whether the defense position impeded or hindered the runner's progress, then what?
Is it any less of an impediment than verbal obstruction?
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Okay, let's go in this direction.
Where is the impediment? Why would anyone think that a runner has a "right" to be able see the pitcher's release? If a RHP releases the ball at a point the runner on first cannot see it, should the pitch be illegal?
Following the same train of thought, if a fielder catches a fly ball, should they be called for OBS if the runners couldn't see the catch and could not legally leave the base sooner as if they could if the contact with the ball was visible?
And as noted before, with the exception of the pitcher on the PP, the catcher in the box and all others in fair territory, why would an umpire take it upon themselves to "place" a player and risk a protest?