Quote:
Originally posted by acyrv
Runner on 1st, no outs. ball hit to shortstop. as runner on first runs toward second, he collides with the 1st basemen trying to cover 1st base. is the right call: 1.runner out for interference. or 2. is the fielder guilty of obstruction for being in the baseline without the ball. this is a cal ripken game.
[Edited by acyrv on Jul 7th, 2002 at 02:45 PM]
|
This would be a Type B obstruction where the obstructed runner is not being played upon at the time of the obstruction. The penalty is for the umpire to impose a penalty that, in his judgment, will nullify the act of obstruction. There is no mandatory base award to R1 with Type B obstruction---it remains umpire judgment. Action continues as it is treated as a delayed dead ball situation.
If R1 is toast at 2B, I have obstruction with no penalty. The obstructive act had absolutely no bearing on the outcome of the play. Still, if there is the slightest possibility that R1 may have safely made it to 2B if it were not for the obstruction, then I protect him there.
Post obstructive evidence may be used. That is, if after the obstruction F6 fields it cleanly and tosses flawlessly to F4, then it's unlikely the act impacted play. However, suppose F6 bobbled the ball or made a poor throw to F4. Those actions could be taken into consideration as to whether or not R1 could have made it safely to 2B. You may also take into consideration if R1 is a jackrabbit vs. a 250 pound catcher wearing a knee brace.
All benefit of doubt should favor R1, but if you are certain R1 would have been out despite the obstruction, there is no reason you
must award 2B to him.
Just my opinion,
Freix