[greymule]

Obstruction is handled differently by the various baseball and softball rules. I can't think of two that treat it exactly the same in every case. What you see called in Fed baseball may be totally different, for example, from what is called ASA softball or even OBR. Some recognize Type A and Type B obstruction; some do not; some don't define obstruction in those terms but give the concept quasi recognition anyway.

The fact that obstruction is a constant topic on these threads is an indication that it is often a tough call and a difficult matter to rule on. Even within a given set of rules, opinions differ on how to call certain plays.