Obstruction Mechanics

[jTheUmp]

If you (as PU or BU) have an obstruction call where the obstructed runner is "tagged out" due to the obstruction, do you make an out signal, and then call time and indicate the obstruction?

For example, this happened to me a couple of games back (I'm PU, one umpire game):
R1 trying to advance to 3rd on a base hit. Obstructed by F5 while sliding into 3rd (contact prior to F5 catching the ball), causing R2's slide to stop about 18 inches short of the base. F5 catches the ball, tags out R1, then fires to F4 who successfully tags out BR attempting to advance to second.

I made no signal on the play on R2 (other then the delayed dead ball signal). After the tag on BR, I called time, and I put R2 on 3rd due to the obstruction call, and called BR out due to the tag.

I'm sure I got it right (although both coaches had to disagree with me, of course). But should I have made any kind of indication about the status of R2 prior to the play on BR?

[TwoBits]

It is possible that obstruction could have occured, but the runner not be awarded home. Had the plate umpire determined obstruction had occured before the runner had touched third, then the runner could have only been protected up to third base.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

If you (as PU or BU) have an obstruction call where the obstructed runner is "tagged out" due to the obstruction, do you make an out signal, and then call time and indicate the obstruction?

If I have both calls, (or the "tag" play and know there was OBS), I'll indicate *something* at the spot of the tag -- "stay there" or "safe on OBS" or something. Then, when the play is over, place teh runners and give the needed explanation.

[kylejt]

Left hand point.

"That's obstruction" , but not really loud, unless it's Type A, and your killing it. For Type B, just a conversational tone works. You don't want to kill the action by bellowing this out.

Yeah, the floating fist went out around 20 years ago (so I've been told).

[frozenrope22]

Thanks for the information. Umpire got the call right just wasn't very convincing.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by frozenrope22

Thanks for the information. Umpire got the call right just wasn't very convincing.

If he called it interference, no, he didn't get it right.

[frozenrope22]

He did in fact yell interference but I let that slide. I like to know as much about the rules and mechanics as it helps with coaching.

Same game had a no catch on third strike. Ball in the dirt. Close/tough call but PU yells "no catch" and catcher stood there waving the ball in PU face all the while PU was pointing at the ground. Catcher finally threw the ball and got the out but I was able to explain to catcher the situation and what the PU was doing so he would know what to do in the future.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by frozenrope22

He did in fact yell interference but I let that slide. I like to know as much about the rules and mechanics as it helps with coaching.

Same game had a no catch on third strike. Ball in the dirt. Close/tough call but PU yells "no catch" and catcher stood there waving the ball in PU face all the while PU was pointing at the ground. Catcher finally threw the ball and got the out but I was able to explain to catcher the situation and what the PU was doing so he would know what to do in the future.

"No catch!!!" Might as well just yell, "RUN!!!!" or "TAG HER!!!" Good grief.

[Umpmazza]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

If you (as PU or BU) have an obstruction call where the obstructed runner is "tagged out" due to the obstruction, do you make an out signal, and then call time and indicate the obstruction?

If your the calling Umpire of OBS and you know your gonna award him the base you think he would have reached had OBS not occurred, then all you do is when the tag is applied.

"time, I had Obstruction, you 2nd base"

done, easy, call me later...LOL