Quote:
Originally Posted by cookie
Jaksa/Roder has: "If a runner misses a base because of obstruction, an appeal of his missed base cannot be upheld." However, they do not give any examples of such plays, nor do they cite any explicit OBR reference in their book.
I've been searching the rule & case books for information but coming empty handed for a rule cite and a case play on this matter. Does anyone know of a rule cite and case play?
Also, is the same in all codes: Pro, NCAA, and Fed?
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BRD to the rescue: NFHS has no rule or interpretation. The NCAA official interp is from the previous rulesa editor, Rich Fetchiet: "If, in the umpire’s judgment, obstruction occurred near enough to a base so that it prevented the runner from conveniently touching the bag, a subsequent appeal at the missed base would be denied."
The OBR (Hunter Wendelstedt): "If a runner misses a base or never reaches a base as a result of the obstruction by a fielder, the umpire may consider the base as touched or reached if he believes it would have taken place had the obstruction not occurred."
Apparently, Rick is not allowing for umpire judgment. Rather, he makes a flat statement that official interpretations contradict.
Here's a play from the BRD:
R2. B1 singles. As R2 nears third, F5 obstructs him, he misses third, and is safe on a close play at the plate. The defense then appeals he missed third. Ruling: Umpire judgment: But if the obstruction occurred several steps from the base, the base umpire would likely uphold the appeal.
This is all from Section 347 in the 2012 BRD, available at Amazon.com.