FED OBS Query #2

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

"All the while" needs to be defined more clearly.

Take your OP, F2 catches the ball, drops it of his own volition BUT IMMEDIATELY picks it up and tags the runner.

Are you going to call OBS?

Easy. What is the runner doing while F2 is not in possessionof the ball...attempting to reach the plate? Obstruction. Lying on back not moving? Not obstruction.

Remember the wording. I don't have the book in front of me, but it is something to the effect of the defense, without possession of the ball can't deny the runner access to a base to which he is attempting to advance or return. Thus the action of the runner is equally important in the equation.

This really isn't that difficult. We've utilized essentially the exact same rule in college without all this consternation.