|
Barring an authorative interpretation from the governing body, my instinct would be to call the batter-runner out on this play.
If the penalty for obstuction is to award whichever base, or bases, needed to negate the effects of the obstruction it seems logical to ignore the obstruction on this play. We don't award bases that the runner would have never reached.
Maybe there is a case play or published ruling that covers this one. If so, I am not aware of it.
I am aware of the potential pitfalls of applying baseball concepts to the game of softball. Lacking a definite softball ruling, I will offer this one from Major League baseball.
If a batter-runner is obstructed before first base, but his batted ball becomes caught or foul, the obstruction is nullified.
Different sport, yes, but, to me, same concept.
|