Quote:
Originally posted by joemoore
Was the runner already out and then flagrantly interfered with the fielder making a chance at a double play?
9.01(d) gives the umpire sole discretion in ruling on unsportsmanlike conduct.
I would imagine a runner obstructed from reaching a base, such as a catcher blocking the plate (with or without the ball) would not be ruled unsportsmanlike. I can't see how a third baseman blocking third base would be different.
What I do notice is that fielders in MLB do not block any base except home. They will usually straddle or play off to the side of the base. If a runner put his shoulder into a shortstop straddling second on a tag for a steal attempt, that might be unsportsmanlike.
I can't see where any other rule would apply.
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A player may block any base if he has the ball. In fact interpretation may allow blocking it as he catches the ball. Perhaps I date myself but I recall a first-baseman who used to drop his leg in front of the bag when the famous LA Dodger base-stealer, Maury Wills was on first. He did this because Maury went back head-first. Although legal this was not considered proper defensive positioning. One day Wills sharpened his spikes and chose to go back feet-first extracting a piece of revenge to say nothing of the gash on the fielder's leg. Under OBR it is poor mechanics for fielders other than the properly armed catcher to block bases with or withou the ball.