Obstruction

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Originally posted by BigUmp56
We couldn't reach a consensus on this play so I thought I would see what you guys and gals thought.


OBR-


B1 hit's the ball hard off the plate, resulting in a high bounce back toward the mound R1 looks and thinking it's a fly ball, turn's to go back to first. BR has already touched 1B when F3, just dumbly watching the play, idly steps into R1's direct path to 1B, resulting in a collision. While both are on the ground, F1 fields the ball and throws for force out at 2B.


The out call is a no brainer here as there's no way to protect R1 to second base the way this play finished. My question to you would be, do you call the delayed dead ball obstruction and wait to see what happens, or do you ignore the obstruction altogether as R1 was not entitled to return to first base with it occupied.


Tim.

Okay, the play has been asked and answered. Now, the important stuff...

Let's say the ball is hit high off the plate, we've all seen this, right? When have you ever seen a batter get to first before R1 discovers that it wasn't a fly ball? What was the first base coach doing? If R1 didn't see it, surely F3 did and knows he has to get ready for a play. Even with a hit and run, I can't concieve of this play happening on a 90 ft. field. Since we were discussing OBR, this can't be small ball on a 60 foot field, can it? I can't recall ever penalizing an eight year old for obstruction and most of those leagues don't allow lead offs.

Finally, I can't ever recall an umpire yelling, "That's Obstruction - Type B". Call the play and let them advance like the book allows. If they advance and are put out because of their mistake, too bad.