Controverisal Obstruction Call

[SAump]

After further review of the rulebook, I wanted to reopen a discussion from a previously locked thread found at the following link. Obstruction

The part I wanted to discuss was the OP.

Obstruction
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dailypress.com - Inside the PD

...With the score tied 2-2, Menchville had runners at first and second with one out. As Hunter Lewis dug in at the plate, Woodside’s Christian Burton charged from first base yelling “bunt” — even though Lewis had not squared to bunt.

Mays never delivered a pitch, but the home plate umpire called obstruction on Burton and awarded Lewis first base.
...

I stumbled across a rule which may validate the umpire's judgement.

Rule 7.07 If, with a runner on third base and trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal, the catcher or any other fielder steps on, or in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or his bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.

Note established ruling applies to runner on 3B, which is missing in OP. But the "technical" balk call awards the batter first base on fielder's interference. Perhaps, the umpire felt enough of a hindrance by F3 to call "interference" while R3 sat empty. I mean the batter has not squared around and the guy is already crowding the plate area.

1) Where does in front of a plate end?
2) Will this be enough to change your opinion of the umpire's call?
3) Would it apply to any and all MLB squeeze situations, or only where R3 is present?
4) Has this been discussed in other baseball literature such as the BRD, J/R, etc.?

Happy Mothers Day Weekend and Cheers!

[Ump153]

You can't be serious. Have you ever played the game?

Have you ever umpired the game?

[SAump]

Enlighten me on PBUC/MLBUM interps. regarding this most unusual "interference" award and balk call. Support material is appreciated.

OBR 4.03(c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station himself anywhere in fair territory.

Anywhere in front of the 17" plate, or anywhere beyond the cutout in front of the plate to avoid a "batter interference" call, or anywhere in front of another pre-established area in front of the mound to avoid a fielder's balk call? How close is too close to the front of the plate?

Explain why the literal interpretation of OBR 7.07 does not apply to other base situations {such as R1 or R2 only, or R1 and R2}. Explain why a fielder's balk or batter's interference would only apply with R3 in a special squeeze situation and not include other possible scenarios.

Using that criteria, I find OBR 4.03 and OBR 7.07 only address very fine apects of the game itself. Afterall, how practical is anywhere in fair territory?

BTW, I have not determined if I am serious. In this regard, only I can make that ruling.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by Ump153

You can't be serious. Have you ever played the game?

Have you ever umpired the game?

It's okay. You know what the right call is. I know what the right call is. Most umpires know what the right call is. Just let it go. Serenity now...

[SAump]

johnnyg08 has some questions in another thread. Was Laz wrong?
Go comment. Go comment. Go comment.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SAump

After further review of the rulebook, I wanted to reopen a discussion from a previously locked thread found at the following link. Obstruction

The part I wanted to discuss was the OP.

I stumbled across a rule which may validate the umpire's judgement.
Note established ruling applies to runner on 3B, which is missing in OP. But the "technical" balk call awards the batter first base on fielder's interference. Perhaps, the umpire felt enough of a hindrance by F3 to call "interference" while R3 sat empty. I mean the batter has not squared around and the guy is already crowding the mound area.

1) Where does in front of a plate end?
2) Will this be enough to change your opinion of the umpire's call?
3) Would it apply to any and all MLB squeeze situations, or only where R3 is present?
4) Has this been discussed in other baseball literature such as the BRD, J/R, etc.?

Happy Mothers Day Weekend and Cheers!

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

[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!

[SAump]

From the article:

This is one of Woodside's trick plays that they run. One or both of the corners charge yelling ( to be a distraction to the runners). They try distracting the runner long enough to pick off to the base and get them out. They have done it before and it makes more sense then Hare's explanation he gave.

Hint: From the set position a pitcher has 3 options. Is it itcafbifohp?

[johnnyg08]

This is a relatively common pick off play.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

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

Hey, please don't quote him. You're defeating my ignore list!

I do, however, like the typo/word 'obstrcution' which if you say it sounds like a cross between 'obstruction' and 'execution'. Maybe that should be the new penalty for obstruction.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SAump

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.

I agree that any umpire would have difficulty enforcing something that doesn't exist.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I agree that any umpire would have difficulty enforcing something that doesn't exist.

Similar to hitting a "rising fast ball", eh?

(sorry)

[SAump]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Similar to hitting a "rising fast ball", eh?

(sorry)

Similar to running past a "missed base," eh?