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I'll save you the trouble of looking it up:
8.1.1 SITUATION L: With R1 on third base and trying to score on a steal or squeeze play, F2 obstructs the batter's swing. RULING: This is defensive obstruction and R1 is awarded home. The batter is awarded first base.
COMMENT: If the catcher, or any other defensive player, obstructs the batter before he has become a batter-runner, the batter is awarded first base. If on such obstruction a runner is trying to score by a steal or a squeeze from third base, the play will be a delayed dead ball which results in the runner on third scoring and the batter being awarded first base. Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance remain on the bases occupied at the time of the obstruction.
I'm mostly interested in the comment. What confuses me a bit is that the situation produces a delayed dead ball yet, at the same time, all other runners (not stealing) must remain on the base they occupied at the time of the obstruction. The only possible situation this could arise is with runners at 2nd and 3rd where the runner at 2nd is *not* stealing on the play.
Let's change the scenario a bit.
R2 & R3. R3 is stealing home on the pitch and the batter attempts to execute a squeeze. The catcher bumps into the batter (obstruction) but the catcher misses the ball. R3 scores easily and R2, who (a) was stealing or (b) was not stealing, also scores on the passed ball.
Ruling for (a) and (b)?
David Emerling
Memphis, TN
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