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Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
Remember, OBS is impeding a runner's progress. Common sense would dictate that the runner must actually be attempting to achieve a base safely. Granted, a runner can run anywhere they please and we often use the extreme example of running out to high-five the right fielder (well, at least I do in demonstrating a "base path"). The only right the defense has is to attempt to stay out of the way, but even if they cannot do that, it doesn't mean that, in the umpire's judgment, the defender's presence actually impeded or hindered the runner's progress.
You seem to be hung up on giving the defense some defense for OBS. There is none other than possessing the ball as long as the runner is legitimately running the bases.
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I'm chewing on it...
Positioning to dictate a runners path or to "force the runners hand" would definitely qualify... very similar in many respects to faking a taq to force a slide.
Many times (usually mens) I've seen a runner who should slide into 3rd simply round 3rd and go home... and that is certainly a option they have or should have. If a fielder has positioned themselves to force a slide when they could have the opportunity to run.. that is OBS
Honestly, it goes against my instincts.
I am indeed hung up on giving defense some thing and giving the runner something.
Maybe its the baseball catcher in me, always leave the runner a spot to go unless you want to get killed.
But with these strict OBS rules.. that thinking would probably not apply to softball..
I've sent that pic of my OBS call to our top trainer along with the jist of the debate (who like you guys has all the letters after his name and all that stuff).. I'd like to get his take on the debate.