Controverisal Obstruction Call

[SAump]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Surely you can appreciate the difference between "preventing the batter from having the opportunity to hit a pitch" (obstsruction / interference -- award the batter first) and "charging toward the plate before a pitch is thrown" (nothing).

That is a very clear distinction and a very good explanation. Perhaps others can now relate the difficulty the umpire in the OP had trying to correctly enforce a fielder's balk. Perhaps the fielder charged in a little too close for a warning. I learned a little more than I previously knew and was trying to generate a little more discussion on the subject. I enjoy the thrill of a good "squeeze" play.

I didn't know how "technical" the issue really was until I happened across this thread earlier in the month and OBR 7.07 {pitch requirement} today. Just wanted to pass on more info to other folks who may have not noticed the "little ambiguity" found in the MLB rulebook. See Mr Childress' comments found in BRD 71 {4.06b} and 287 {6.08C}. Perhaps Carl will find this previous article in the thread on obstruction amusing for those who don't own a copy of the BRD or cannot appreciate Carl's wisdom.

Cheers to all you "veteran" umpires out there!
Happy Mother's Day!