Quote:
Originally posted by oppool
B1 gets a hit to deep center and is obstructed by F3 while making the turn at first. You rule obstruction at this time and figure your protection will go to 3rd but the ball is slow coming in and the runner is faster than thought. The runner is put out sliding into home. Your ruling??
This play was discussed this weekend in our metro clinic and I didnt agree with the answer that was given as correct. So I brought it here for discussion
Thanks
Don
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Actually, there is no incorrect answer to this as the umpire's judgment is what dictates the play. That's not to say an umpire's judgment is horrible and totally out of line.
However, in the play you offer, an umpire would have to predetermine how far to protect the obstructed runner and then adjust to what occurs after the fact.
A great indicator on this call would be you thinking to yourself, "no way he makes home" as the runner is rounding third. Then again, not every runner recovers from obstruction the same.
What it comes down to is that everything is relevant and only the umpire who observed the obstruction can decide whether the runner is still protected at any given point. The only thing I can say without hesitation is that an umpire should never observe an obstruction violation and instantaneously lock themselves into a given base of protection without observing the remainder of the play.