Question on 2006 Umpire Exam

[UmpJM]

LLBob,

The following is from the MLBUM under the discussion of "Type B" Obstruction:

NOTE (1 ): If a runner is obstructed under this second section of the obstruction rule, play is to proceed to completion-even if it results in a play later being made on the runner who was previously obstructed. However, if such a play on a previously obstructed runner results in that runner actually being tagged out before reaching the base to which he would have been awarded because of the obstruction, the umpire shall in that case call "Time" at the moment the runner is tagged out. The umpire shall then impose such penalties that will nullify the obstruction, which will include, of course, the obstructed runner being awarded the base to which he would be entitled because of the obstruction.

Now, this is a little different from what the actual text of the rulebook says ("...the play shall proceed until no further action is possible."), but that is the proper mechanic.

If you read the Baseball Canada rulebook linked in a previous post, on pp. 11-12 there is a subtle distinction in their interp that differs from the MLBUM; i.e., they say kill the play when the obstructed runner is played upon, and make no explicit distinction as to whether the runner is safe or out, or, if out, whether out before or after he attained his "protected to" base. Under OBR, there is no "mandatory minimum" award on a Type B Obs. The way TiBear's 1st question was worded (out by a mile at home) would lead me to think that the Obstructed runner was NOT protected to home. Therefore, under the OBR MLBUM interp quoted above, I would NOT have killed the play since the Obstructed runner was legitimately out, even with the Obstruction, and I would have left the ball live and allowed the 2nd out on the BR. Under OBR. Maybe Baseball Canada wants a different ruling.

JM