Obstruction??

[David B]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Fed rules.

R2 and 2 outs.

Batter hits a clean base hit to LF. The R2 attempts to score. F7 fields the ball and makes a good throw home. F2 is set up in a blocking position on the 3B line. He has to "reach" for the throw to the 1B side of home plate, but "gloves" the throw before the R2 arrives. As he brings his mitt to a tagging position, the ball slips out of his mitt, the runner slides into him and is blocked from the plate. He immediately retrieves the ball without having to change his position and tags the runner before he can touch the plate.

What's your call and why?

JM

I would have to call OBS on this play (I think). Once he drops the ball he does not have possession and thus he has no right to block the players from the base.

But, if F2 left room for the runner to get to the plate and the runner still runs into him, I might be inclined to go with the out. That's why I say I think.

I'm not going to reward a dumb R2.

Thanks
David

[DG]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Fed rules.

As he brings his mitt to a tagging position, the ball slips out of his mitt, the runner slides into him and is blocked from the plate. He immediately retrieves the ball without having to change his position and tags the runner before he can touch the plate.

What's your call and why?

JM

Obstruction. Catcher did not have the ball when runner slides into him and is denied access to the plate.

[Simply The Best]

Let's break this down as best we can on an Internet forum. Here are the salient points put to us.

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Fed rules. R2
Base hit to LF. The R2 attempts to score. F7 fields the ball and makes a throw home. F2 is set up in a blocking position....

Answer?

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

In 2011, the fielder must have possession of the ball before blocking a base that a runner is heading towards.

Truth is simple.