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This is an interesting scenario.
Here is the summary of the facts: R2 is obstructed rounding 1B. During the ensuing play, R2 returns to 1B and then, seeing the play being made on another runner, decides to try for 2B and is tagged out. Note: None of the exceptions for calling a runner out between the two bases where obstruction occurred are present.
Speaking ASA, the rule (8-6-B) and POE 31 say the following: (I'll be skipping around, so you may want to get our your rule book to follow along):
An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where obstructed unless
(exceptions don't apply here)
An obstructed runner could be called out between the two bases he was obstructed if
(conditions not present here )
When the runner is obstructed during a rundown, a delayed dead ball is called. If the runner is tagged out after being obstructed, a dead ball is ruled, and he is awarded the base he would have made had there been no obstruction. If the ball is overthrown after the obstruction, the runner may advance. He may not be called out between the two bases where he was obstructed
.If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base which would have been reached had there not been obstruction, the obstructed runner will be called out. The ball remains live
.If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base he would have reached had there not been obstruction, he is running at his own risk and, if tagged, would be called out. The ball remains live and other plays may be made.
The rule book is unequivocal - the runner may not be called out between the two bases where he was obstructed, unless there is another violation leading to an appeal, etc. Regardless of the fact that R2 should have stayed on 1B, when he is tagged out at second, a dead ball should be declared, and he should be returned to 1B. Even though the rule book says that once the runner has passed the base he would have reached (1B in this case), he is running at his own risk, this is not listed as one of the exceptions to protecting the runner between the bases where the obstruction occurred.
My ruling: dead ball, R2 not out, return R2 to 1B.
[Edited by Dakota on Feb 6th, 2002 at 11:03 AM]
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