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Originally Posted by DG
So if F1 blocks the back 12.5 inches of the bag on a pick to 1B you are going to rule an out because the front 2.5 inches was "available" to the runner diving back to the
I don't believe this was FED's intent for the rule change.
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Yes. Rule the runner OUT.
To the contrary FED is very specific that the situation you describe above is legal.
It is not illegal to block a base with or without the ball. The key to obstruction per 2-22-3 is the wording "deny access". In the 2008 NFHS/Referee Baseball guide it is state on page 5 "The committee used "deny access" instead of "block" because it is possible for a fielder to block the base without denying access." Read Play 2 and the ruling carefully saying that to partially block the bag is legal.
See also Case 8.3.2 Situation G.
See also Case 8.3.2 Situation L.
Deny access means ALL
See also Case 8.3.2 Situation G.