Quote:
Originally Posted by youngump
Yes that was my point. The obstruction has already been neutralized by the time the ball is played. And we still have to protect the runner between 2nd and 3rd. But what base are we awarding? Let's say that the ball drops and the runner trips over his own feet and falls to the ground where he's tagged out.
Punitively, we take away the out. But now, we have to decide what base to put the runner on and I'm really not sure quite what to do since absent the obstruction the result of the play would have been an out.
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Speaking ASA
Don't overthink it. See the OBS, signal DDB, envision how the play would unfold and "see" the base to which you believe the runner would have advanced has s/he not been obstructed. And, remember, no one is suggesting you be stingy, but do not be unbelieveably excessive.
Say a runner is OBS coming around 1B, you give the DDB and see the ball is still rolling to the fence, but with the fielder about to reach it. In your mind you may be thinking "okay, 2nd is a given, 3rd might be tight, but I doubt she would score". Okay, 3rd it is. That is your protection and award base.
As the runner advances, the defense makes a good relay and it is a close play at 3rd, but the ball gets away from F5 and the runner attempts to score and is thrown out by a step. The runner is out.The runner's ability to advance to the plate was not affected by the OBS.
There is no doubt that this "sight" is improved with experience and understanding of the level of competition. Like I said, no one is suggesting you be stingy, just fair without being absurd.