Your call?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by rngrck

Garth, correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the fielder have a right to catch a thrown ball in the baseline? In this case, he clearly did not block the plate as the runner had a opportunity to go around him and touch. Runner stayed in the base path and thus was a train wreck.

According to FED, that is not access. You are putting a requirement on the runner that gives the fielder an advantage.

The fielder may not bock access without the ball.

Have you attended the FED clinic this year? This was all covered in detail.

I have access to the slides and the script if you haven't attended. Let me know. I'm off to evaluate some new and transfer umpires right now. I'll check back later.