ManInBlue
You could have the
potential for obstruction anytime. Obstruction does not occur until the runner is prevented or hindered by the defense.
Here's what Rich Ives is referring to:
R1 being held by F3, R1 leading off. F3 is blocking the entire path back to 1st. Now as long as there is no attempt to retire R1, the two can stand like that all day and nothing is wrong! But, the minute F1 or F2 throw the ball to F3 and R1 is unable to get back because of F3's position, that would be the obstruction.
The original stitch stated that the coach was crying for an obstruction call when there was no effort to retire R1.
Regards