Mechanics Question on Catcher OBS

[mbyron]

BU makes his call as if nothing had happened. Remember, the offense has the right to take the result of the play, so it's important to get all calls right. Who knows: maybe after that out at 2B F4 throws one away, after BR had touched 1B, and BR ends up at 3B. In some situations, the offense might take R3 w/ 1 out over R1, R2 w/ 0 out. The ball is live after catcher's OBS, and it matters what happens during that time.

In the OP, if I'm BU I have heard my partner say "that's obstruction!", so I call the out at 2B and wait to see if the defense will turn a double play. At the end of playing action, I call "time!" (if PU hasn't) and let PU make the award: BR to 1B, R1 forced to advance to 2B.

In my experience, I sometimes have to explain to R1 (now R2) and/or F6 why he's not out, but that's not an official mechanic.

[Ran.D]

Is there a verbal call by PU on catcher obstruction? I think only the DDB signal is required. Since the defense can take either the results of the play, or the obstruction, a verbal call may confuse the defense.

I think BU should ignore the OBS call until after the play is over and call what he sees. If PU doesn't call OBS, but BU clearly sees it, a conference is in order.

[bob jenkins]

I make a verbal call and a point. I don't use the DDB signal for CO in FED.

[mbyron]

I've never heard anyone say that they use the DDB signal. It's a dud.

I verbalize "That's obstruction!" at the time of the violation and point at F2. If you wait until after the play to announce the obstruction, you're asking for a world of shïte.

The BU should keep his mouth shut, as it's not EVER his call. Only time I can think that he might get involved is with a rookie PU, but even then I'd let it go and talk to him about it after an inning or two.

[justanotherump]

I'll admit I'm not read up on my Fed rules. However, I know pro rules. Under OBR, if the base umpire sees/hears the plate umpire call catcher's interference, they will call "Time" if any runner, including the batter/runner has not advanced one base. So, in this situation, "Time", and place the runners. If the base umpire does not hear/see the plate umpire call interference, you call your own. Then let the plate guy work it out after that.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by justanotherump

I'll admit I'm not read up on my Fed rules. However, I know pro rules. Under OBR, if the base umpire sees/hears the plate umpire call catcher's interference, they will call "Time" if any runner, including the batter/runner has not advanced one base. So, in this situation, "Time", and place the runners. If the base umpire does not hear/see the plate umpire call interference, you call your own. Then let the plate guy work it out after that.

I don't think you should call time as soon as a runner doesn't advance. The offense has the option of taking the play or the penalty. To do that, you need to let the play continue until it's over.

[justanotherump]

I stand corrected. My apologies.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I've never heard anyone say that they use the DDB signal. It's a dud.

We'ev had this discussion before. You need to tell everyone that you umpire in parks with no crown noise and perfect acoustics and that you are a concet stage level orator.

The fact that you hav never seen this mechanic means you need to seriously get a new set od partners.

The BU should keep his mouth shut, as it's not EVER his call. Only time I can think that he might get involved is with a rookie PU, but even then I'd let it go and talk to him about it after an inning or two.

See above except reverse, your partners need a new partner.