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It is true, there is no rule telling the BR where they must be or when, but there is a rule stating they may not interfere with a play.
The defense DOES have a right to be in position in an attempt to make a play as long as not obstructing the runner. It should be noted, I don't believe it is possible to OBS a BR on a walk since s/he has already been awarded 1B (referring to this scenario only. different story if the BR was trying to advance expeditiously with the possibility of advancing beyond 1B). However, even if OBS the BR, that is not relevant to the runner advancing from 3B. And remember, being OBS does not absolve the BR from INT with a play.
But it still comes down to whether the umpire believes the BR actually interfered with the play.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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