After further review of the rulebook, I wanted to reopen a discussion from a previously locked thread found at the following link.
Obstruction
The part I wanted to discuss was the OP.
Quote:
Obstruction
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dailypress.com - Inside the PD
...With the score tied 2-2, Menchville had runners at first and second with one out. As Hunter Lewis dug in at the plate, Woodside’s Christian Burton charged from first base yelling “bunt” — even though Lewis had not squared to bunt.
Mays never delivered a pitch, but the home plate umpire called obstruction on Burton and awarded Lewis first base.
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I stumbled across a rule which may validate the umpire's judgement.
Quote:
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Rule 7.07 If, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, or in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.
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Note established ruling applies to runner on 3B, which is missing in OP. But the "technical" balk call awards the batter first base on fielder's interference. Perhaps, the umpire felt enough of a hindrance by F3 to call "interference" while R3 sat empty. I mean the batter has not squared around and the guy is already crowding the plate area.
1) Where does in front of a plate end?
2) Will this be enough to change your opinion of the umpire's call?
3) Would it apply to any and all MLB squeeze situations, or only where R3 is present?
4) Has this been discussed in other baseball literature such as the BRD, J/R, etc.?
Happy Mothers Day Weekend and Cheers!