OBS/INT or none?

[steveshane67]

Im still getting conflicting opinions mainly from SDS and mbyron

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Let me be crystal clear:

If F6 clearly accidentally knocks a runner who is not even paying attention off the base, then that runner is liable to be called out if tagged. Nobody is disputing this.

If F6 clearly intentionally knocks a runner off the base, the runner is not liable to be called out. Nobody is disputing this.

Argument over.

Originally Posted by mbyron

Question 1: Not OBS, since the fielder is not hindering the runner's attempt to advance. But it might be malicious contact, and if I judge it to be intentional it won't result in an out.

Question 2:Yes, one is blatant and the other is subtle.

Question 3: Yes, it matters whether the runner is paying attention to whether time has actually been called.

Other than that, I think SDS nailed it.

I dont know how one [mbyron] can say a SS who is lowering his shoulder or "pushing" the runner would not be intentional. Who fields a pop up in these 2 manners????

Originally Posted by mbyron

There is no rule that protects a runner who is bumped off the base by incidental contact. At lower levels you might do that, but not HS or above.

Originally Posted by mbyron

1. I don't think you know what 'incidental contact' means. Contact is incidental when it is not illegal. Did we have OBS by F6? No, since he's fielding a batted ball. Did we have INT by R2? No, since he's entitled to remain on the base. Did we have any other illegal act by either player? No, they were doing what they were supposed to do. But we did have a collision, and no matter how forceful it was, if it was not illegal, it was incidental.

So mybron is saying that as long as the SS didnt obstruct with the runner (by his defintion anything besides going out of the SS way to knock the runner of the base is not OBS) the runner is liable to be put out.

I was just trying to figure out whats the limit of physical contact that the SS can get away with.