Obstruction question

[JJ]

FED. B1 hits a ground ball to short. Shortstop's throw is to the home plate side of first (bad throw). B1, seeing it's a bad throw and F3 is coming off the bag toward him, veers around F3 who ever touches the bad throw. The umpire calls "That's obstruction". The throw goes to the fence, and B1 goes safely into second base. The defense then appeals B1 missed first base, which in fact he did. The offensive coach says he missed it because of being obstructed by F3.

What's the call?

JJ

[tjones1]

I believe you've still got to touch first. Since there's a deadball, the runner can't go back and touch. Therefore, he is out on appeal.

[jdmara]

I agree with tjones1, the BR is out on appeal. Even though the BR was awarded 2nd base, it is the BR's responsibility to legally gain the awarded bases. BR is out on proper appeal. BR has the opportunity, once the ball is declared dead to touch 1b then proceed to the awarded second base.

To put another perspective on it, if BR hits a home run (s)he is awarded four bases, by rule. If (s)he misses 1b on his/her way around, (s)he can be called out on proper appeal. Same concept as what you are asking.

-Josh

[Rich]

The pro interpretation has been (someone will post a reference) that if the obstruction clearly caused the missed base, the appeal will be denied.

It's my rule of thumb and how I would rule in a FED game, too.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

The pro interpretation has been (someone will post a reference) that if the obstruction clearly caused the missed base, the appeal will be denied.

It's my rule of thumb and how I would rule in a FED game, too.

I think it's if the obstruction PREVENTED a touch of a base the appeal will be denied.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

I think it's if the obstruction PREVENTED a touch of a base the appeal will be denied.

Maybe I'm off my rocker here but doesn't the runner have the responsibility to legally touch each base? If I were the runner I would have touched 1B then put the pressure on the umpire to award me second because of the obstruction. I understand that I might be pushed 5 feet out of the baseline to avoid contact at 1B but the umpire has already acknowledged there is obstruction (according to the post). I could easily make a case that I would have legally gained 2B if I was not obstructed.

I could very well be wrong, though, but I firmly believe the BR must touch 1B or possibly be called out on proper appeal.

-Josh

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

The pro interpretation has been (someone will post a reference) that if the obstruction clearly caused the missed base, the appeal will be denied.

It's my rule of thumb and how I would rule in a FED game, too.

Agreed.

[archangel]

Originally Posted by tjones1

I believe you've still got to touch first. Since there's a deadball, the runner can't go back and touch. Therefore, he is out on appeal.

What deadball? The OP doesnt say that...

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by archangel

What deadball? The OP doesnt say that...

You're right. I misread it.

[umpjong]

Maybe to clarify this play a bit as JJ and I spoke about this play before he posted it.

As the BR veered around F1 in front of and on the home plate side of the bag, BR veered only to avoid the "train wreck". After he veered by F3 he ran by first base not attempting to touch 1st base as he passed it.

With this information, it appears that most agree the runner would be out on appeal. (this was a high school game)

Also, does anyone know the play or plays involved in the ncaa interpretations given. Just curious...........