Quote:
Originally Posted by mroyal
But there is a penalty...the runner would get the base he was obstructed from returning to and the defense looses the out. Sounds like a penalty to me.
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The FED penalty for obstruction is one base beyond the position of the obstructed runner. JM posted the rule, which is part of the same rule that you've been quoting (8-3-2).
I'll post it again for you:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rule 8-3-2
If the runner achieves the base he was attempting
to acquire, then the obstruction is ignored. The obstructed runner is awarded a
minimum of one base beyond his position on base when the obstruction
occurred.
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It's a mistake to try to interpret the FED rule without this sentence, since the first sentence of the rule is potentially misleading by itself.
The fact is, if you have a runner returning to a base (R1 on a pickoff obstructed by F3, for example)
this obstructed runner gets 2B in every rule code.
If you choose not to enforce the rules on this point, that's entirely up to you. Please be aware that you have no rules support for your position.