Interference / Obstruction/ Anything?

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by carldog
"If the ball was not fielded cleanly and the ball bounced off of the fielder or was bobbled and the fielder entered the runners base path before gaining possession, there may be grounds for obstruction."

Can I ask a question about this whole idea of Obstruction on a fielder who is trying to gather a batted ball he has just booted ?

Couldn't this just be a trainwreck ? Fielder has a right to chase down his booted grounder...and runner has a right to run to the base...So unless the action is intentional, isn't this a no call?

Thanks!

If the ball is still within "a step and a reach" then the fielder is still fielding the ball. If the fielder has to move more than that, he's chasing a ball and the onus is on him to avoid the runner.