Obstruction?, Interference? Nothing?

[Bfair]

Originally posted by Gre144


1)Is the following situation obstruction, interference or neither.

2) Also, is it ok to confer with your partner after one team complains about a call?

3) How can I better handle the situation next time?

Runner on First and Third. F3 is playing about a foot in front of the bag. The batter runner hits a blooper to short right field. A collosion occurs between R1 and F3 in the baseline about 2 feet from first base. F9 picks up the ball and easliy throws R1 out at second. The offense of coach is arguing for an obstruction by F3. I decide to confer with the home plate umpire because of his complaint. We subsequently decided to change my "no call" to obstruction because at the time we felt that it was obstruction.

[Edited by Gre144 on Jul 19th, 2002 at 07:54 PM]

With interference, the runner is not expected to have to avoid all fielders who chase a batted ball. The umpire must judge which fielder has the best opportunity of fielding that ball, and he is the protected fielder. That protection is allowed to change during the course of the play, but only one fielder can be "protected" at any given time.

So, did F3 have the best opportunity to field the ball?
Was he the "protected" fielder?
If so, then you likely have interference.
If not, then you likely have obstruction.

Letting the play run and discussing it is not wrong. It occurred last year in MLB in a Dbacks game vs. Philly or Cincy with a ground ball being missed by F4 and a relatively immediate collision thereafter with R1 occurring. Nothing was called, the play ran, the umps then conferenced after the play, and the call was made (obstruction on that play). Still, if you are certain of the call, it's best made and easier sold if called when the situation arises. Getting it right slowly can be much better than getting it wrong quickly. Some plays must have immediate decisions, some can wait. Knowing which is which comes with experience that never stops.

Although I was not there to see it, based on your description I'd guess you got it right I'd think a "no call" would be difficult to happen. Something happened, and that's why you are getting paid the big bucks to decide what it was.

I hope this helps to answer all of your questions.


Just my opinion,

Freix