[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Fielders always have the right to field errant throws, and I believe the LL obstruction rule just keeps the catcher from parking in front of the plate with nothing more in mind than blocking off the runner.

Good judgment should always be used in ruling obstruction, no matter which code is being used.

This is what I was talking about. The two explanations appear to be in direct contradiction with one another.

It is quite simple now for the umpires to rule on obstruction…if the defense does not have the ball and impedes the progress of any runner it shall be called obstruction. It makes no difference if the defense is fielding a thrown ball or waiting for the ball, if the defensive player does not have the ball in his/her possession it is obstruction if they impede the progress of any runner.


“Train wrecks are still going to happen and are not to be considered as obstruction. Example: Throw from the shortstop to the 1st baseman in an attempt to get a batter-runner out pulls the 1st baseman down the line toward home plate and the 1st baseman and the batter-runner collide. This is a train wreck because the defensive player is doing what he/she should be doing (fielding the ball) and the batter-runner is doing what he/she should be doing (running the bases).



Tim.