Quote:
Originally posted by CecilOne
Quote:
Originally posted by ronald
I do not know about the rest of you but once the first baseman puts a leg down in front of the bag at ANY level (pickoff throw from catcher and does not have the ball), my arm comes up for the obstruction call and the defense is not getting an out. I've had it at third base too.
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Should we really give the signal before the contact occurs? Even with the fielder blocking, there is no obstruction if the runner reaches around or over and is safe without the obstructon penalty.
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Yes, you should make the call as soon as you see anything to which the runner reacts by slowing down, checking-up or alters their base path to avoid a defender without or not about to receive the ball. If they reach the base to which you believe they were entitled, you drop the call.
You make the call because you cannot foresee the future and making it in a timely fashion eliminates any question as to the integrity of the call.