R1 on first base. Cather takes pitch and throws to F3 in attempt to pick-off R1. R1 breaks for second base. F3 then throws to F4 who is covering second base. As F3's throw gets close to second base, F6 jumps in front of F4 and catches F3's throw and tags R1 who is sliding into second base. R1 is unable to tag second base before being tagged by F6 because F4 standing directly in front of second base in anticipation of catching F3's throw.

Yes, that's obstruction. Only one fielder can be in the act of fielding the throw. That was F6 since he, in fact, fielded the throw. F4, therefore, is guilty of obstruction.

I'm confused. If F6 jumped in front of F4 and took the throw, how could F4 obstruct R1? Was R1 between F4 and F6?

Bob

<i> Originally posted by bluezebra </i>

<b> I'm confused. If F6 jumped in front of F4 and took the throw, how could F4 obstruct R1? Was R1 between F4 and F6?

Bob </b>

I'm guessing but it sounds as though F4 was blocking the base as R1 slid and then F6 jumped in front of F4 to catch throw from F3 and apply tag. R1 could not get to bag because F4 blocked it. Since F4 was not in the act of fielding the ball (F6 was), then F4 has to vacate the base path, he /she didn't so F4 is guilty of obstruction.

Pete Booth

In a straight line from second base to first base:
1) second base
2) F4
3) F6
4) R1

So R1 would have had to go through F6 who was in the act of fielding to get to second? No obstruction then since F4's position does not enter into the play.