Possible Obstruction

[mick]

Originally posted by harmbu
In the umpire's judgement, he was not intentionally holding him back.

I think he slid so far from the bag because the fielder was in his way and he has been taught not to run into a fielder. Would it have simply been obstruction if he had just bumped into the fielder instead of sliding?

harmbu,
If R3 bumped the fielder trying to make the play, that sounds like interference.
Obstruction is a violation of the defense.
R3 could have run to the side of F5 and avoided the contact. The runner is allowed that option.
mick