[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

I find it hard to believe that anybody would mistake the NFHS Delayed Dead Ball Signal for the Outsignal.

I am not computer literate enough to post pictures of the two signals but if one goes to the Page 36 of the 2011 and 2012 NFHS Baseball Umpires Manual one will see that the Delayed Dead Ball Signal (Signal D) is given with the Left Arm and Fist held straight out from the shoulder parallel to the ground, while the Out Signal (Signal E) is given with the Right Arm (perpendicular to the ground) and Fist held up above the Umpire's head. The signals are completely different in look, and even though I am blind in one eye and can't see out of the other I can tell the difference.

The Umpire just has to momentarily give the DDB Signal while pointing with his Right hand toward where the Obstruction occured while saying (load enough for the players involved): "That's obsturction." Nothing more needs to be said except for Safe or Out on the play. He should not say play on becuase he has not said anything that would cause the ball to become dead such as: Dead Ball!! or Time!! or Foul Ball!! Players should know that they should continue to play until they here one of those three phrases, to say "Play On" is coaching.

RBMartin: Yes you should make a decision as to whether F2 tagged R1 out at HP. That does not stop play. Since you had Obstruction, you will call Time after all play as ceased, in your case, the Out on B2/R2 at 2B, and then award R1 HP for F2's Obstruction.

MTD, Sr.