Quote:
Originally posted by CecilOne
I don't see an obstruction call on a fielder attempting to field a batted ball as long as there was no additional action on his play beyond the lunge for the ball. The runner should have seen where the ball was and avoided the play. Forget the out of the base path stuff. If he runs into the play when not forced, that's his problem. Yes, if you do incorrectly call OBS, 3rd is most likely because if there was only time for F5 to lunge, no one else would have been able to cover 3rd. Oh I guess a really quick pitcher coming off that side of the pitching plate and moving toward the ball could beat the runner to 3rd, but I said most likely. Once the ball is dead, the runner can not be out regardless of OBS or not, so is placed by umpire judgement because of the injury and dead ball, not the OBS.
I agree with this comment:
"When F5 makes a play on the ball, and misses, he just can't disappear. Realizing this is a HTBT play, and I wasn't there, I think the runner has the responsibility to avoid the fielder who is making a play. In this case, you say the fielder missed the ball without interference from the runner: I think you have a crash, no one's fault.
But it is the runner's fault, just no INT call, unless F5 without the collision could have moved to the base in time for the throw from F6, then it is INT and the runner is out.
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Under the scenario presented, I don't think an obstruction call is an option, but a requirement.
The fielder was not fielding a batted ball and from the play offered really didn't have a legitimate play on the ball. The runner has an inherent right to attempt to advance, a defender does not have a right to place themselves in a position to impede the runner unless they have a legitimate shot at fielding the batted ball.
Maybe the fielder believed they did, but that does not guarantee protection or give them the ability to fling themselves anywhere they please. Obviously, F6 had the play, F5 did not, you protect F6 and the runner in this case.
Did F5 have a better opportunity to field the ball than F6? Obviously not. Did F5 impede the progress of the runner? Yes. Sounds like obstruction to me.
Remember, obstruction is NOT the opposite of interference and should not be treated as such.