Gentlemen, thanks for the input on this subject.

This was modified OBR. I've got a clearer thought pattern on this now. If the runner had made any attempt after the slide to touch home, I would have obstruction. No movement, no obstruction. The catcher losses protection as a fielder after he dropped the ball. Does this about sum it up?

Steve

In Sunny CA

Since this is modified OBR and not Little League, after the failed attempt to field the thrown ball, ask yourself where is the ball, if it's within reach of the fielder you've got nothing. If the ball is out of reach, then call the obstruction. If another player picks up the ball and tags the runner, you've got obstruction. I hope this helps.

I compare to the following play. Third strike not caught, ball pops out in front of the plate where it is kicked unintentionally by the batter trying to advance. Ball is live. Catcher made the mistake by not catching the ball so don't penalize the offense.

Now we have this play. Catcher sets up to block the plate and the ball comes in and pops out in front of the plate. Runner is blocked but catcher no longer is in the process of receiving the ball, he is in fact reaching for his mistake. I am not going to bail out the catcher for not catching the ball on his initial attempt. If he is still blocking the plate, without the ball, and is not receiving the ball he is obstructing.