Obstruction

[CoachPaul]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

...If F3 drops to the ground then catches the ball then the runner contacts F3 -- probably legal...

I'd say that would be obstruction and therefore ILLEGAL.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by CoachPaul

I'd say that would be obstruction and therefore ILLEGAL.

Why? the runner wasn't "hindered" until F3 already had the ball.

[CoachPaul]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Why? the runner wasn't "hindered" until F3 already had the ball.

He dropped to his knee before catching the ball. That's what you wrote. That's like a catcher blocking the plate without the ball.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by CoachPaul

He dropped to his knee before catching the ball. That's what you wrote. That's like a catcher blocking the plate without the ball.

A fielder can be in front of a bag without the ball. What he can't do is hinder the runner when he doesn't have the ball. There is a difference.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by CoachPaul

He dropped to his knee before catching the ball. That's what you wrote. That's like a catcher blocking the plate without the ball.

And on a pick-off, the runner isn't likely to be hindered until the actual moment of contact -- so if the fielder has the ball when the contact occurs, no OBS. (yes, there are some exceptions; and NCAA makes this move OBS even if the fielder has the ball when the contact occurs)

[CoachPaul]

If F3 blocks the runner's access to the base without the ball, he's obstructed him unless the tag is applied before contact. We wouldn't allow the runner to push F3 off the base and interfere. If the pick off throw drew F3 I to the path of the runner, then I would not have obstruction.

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by CoachPaul

If the pick off throw drew F3 I to the path of the runner, then I would not have obstruction.

Why not?

F3 bumps R1 and knocks him off balance as he reaches for an errant throw. F3 catches the ball and tags R3.

[CoachPaul]

Why? You can't be serious. F3 has a right to go for the ball. If the throw draws him into the runner it's incidental contact while making a baseball play. Both players doing the right thing and occupying the same space. How about you explain why F3 has no right to move to make a play on an errant throw. I'm sure we would all learn something new.