Obstruction??

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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

OBS (Fed) (if there is no access to the plate)

If F2 is still blocking the plate without the ball due to juggling, mis-catch, etc. and without giving any access to the plate to the runner (as indicated in the OP), then OBS...

FED Case Book 2.22.1 SITUATION C: R1 is advancing to score when F7 throws home. F2 completely blocks home plate with his lower leg/knee while (a) in possession of the ball or (b) while juggling and attempting to secure the ball or (c) before the ball has reached F2. RULING: Legal in (a); obstruction in (b) and (c) if the catcher denied access to home plate prior to securely possessing the ball.

FED Rule Book 2.22 ART. 3 . . . The fielder without possession of the ball denies access to the base the runner is attempting to achieve.

OK, still HTBT...


A few minutes later... Just looked at Simply the Best's response at the address given. I guess we're in the same boat...