Proper mechanics - FED obstruction

[mbyron]

Good question. You have to call this in a way that does not deny the defense their play on the other runner. As you know, the ball remains live here, and if you come up screaming obstruction everyone's going to stop.

The FED manual, if you're using that, encourages umpires to use the delayed dead ball mechanic (fist held out to the side). I'm probably saying "That's obstruction," not too loud, and holding my fist out during the throw down to 2B. That signals that I've got something -- and explains why I'm not signalling safe or out -- but I'm not shouting or killing the play.

At the end of playing action, kill it and enforce the award. Make sure both scorekeepers are aware of your call.

[David B]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Good question. You have to call this in a way that does not deny the defense their play on the other runner. As you know, the ball remains live here, and if you come up screaming obstruction everyone's going to stop.

The FED manual, if you're using that, encourages umpires to use the delayed dead ball mechanic (fist held out to the side). I'm probably saying "That's obstruction," not too loud, and holding my fist out during the throw down to 2B. That signals that I've got something -- and explains why I'm not signalling safe or out -- but I'm not shouting or killing the play.

At the end of playing action, kill it and enforce the award. Make sure both scorekeepers are aware of your call.

and of course get ready to eject the coach who don't understand the rules etc,.

[rbmartin]

Originally Posted by mbyron

The FED manual, if you're using that, encourages umpires to use the delayed dead ball mechanic (fist held out to the side). I'm probably saying "That's obstruction," not too loud, and holding my fist out during the throw down to 2B. That signals that I've got something -- and explains why I'm not signalling safe or out -- but I'm not shouting or killing the play.

At the end of playing action, kill it and enforce the award. Make sure both scorekeepers are aware of your call.

So I should make neither a safe nor an out signal...only the DDB sign and verbalize "obstruction!"?

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

So I should make neither a safe nor an out signal...only the DDB sign and verbalize "obstruction!"?

When all is done, you say "Count the run" and point at the plate. Make sure both dugouts see you doing this. This automatically means that the runner was safe.

I do not agree with the FED "sticking your arm out" mechanic. "That's Obstruction" while pointing with the left hand is enough. If F2 turns in my direction, I am saying "Play on, play on" so he knows the ball is not dead.

[rbmartin]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I do not agree with the FED "sticking your arm out" mechanic. "That's Obstruction" while pointing with the left hand is enough. If F2 turns in my direction, I am saying "Play on, play on" so he knows the ball is not dead.

It seems like the FED DDB signal could easily be mis-interpreted as an out signal.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

I find it hard to believe that anybody would mistake the NFHS Delayed Dead Ball Signal for the Outsignal.

I am not computer literate enough to post pictures of the two signals but if one goes to the Page 36 of the 2011 and 2012 NFHS Baseball Umpires Manual one will see that the Delayed Dead Ball Signal (Signal D) is given with the Left Arm and Fist held straight out from the shoulder parallel to the ground, while the Out Signal (Signal E) is given with the Right Arm (perpendicular to the ground) and Fist held up above the Umpire's head. The signals are completely different in look, and even though I am blind in one eye and can't see out of the other I can tell the difference.

The Umpire just has to momentarily give the DDB Signal while pointing with his Right hand toward where the Obstruction occured while saying (load enough for the players involved): "That's obsturction." Nothing more needs to be said except for Safe or Out on the play. He should not say play on becuase he has not said anything that would cause the ball to become dead such as: Dead Ball!! or Time!! or Foul Ball!! Players should know that they should continue to play until they here one of those three phrases, to say "Play On" is coaching.

RBMartin: Yes you should make a decision as to whether F2 tagged R1 out at HP. That does not stop play. Since you had Obstruction, you will call Time after all play as ceased, in your case, the Out on B2/R2 at 2B, and then award R1 HP for F2's Obstruction.

MTD, Sr.

[rbmartin]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

RBMartin: Yes you should make a decision as to whether F2 tagged R1 out at HP. That does not stop play. Since you had Obstruction, you will call Time after all play as ceased, in your case, the Out on B2/R2 at 2B, and then award R1 HP for F2's Obstruction.

MTD, Sr.

My question was do I signal that (irrelevant) decision or is my only visable signal the DDB?
I'm certainly not killing the play until all action is completed.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

My question was do I signal that (irrelevant) decision or is my only visable signal the DDB?
I'm certainly not killing the play until all action is completed.

Yes, call R1 out from the tag by F2 and signal the out also, but nothing more until after all play has stopped, and in your case that was the tag out at 2B on B2/R2.

MTD, Sr.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by rbmartin

My question was do I signal that (irrelevant) decision or is my only visable signal the DDB?
I'm certainly not killing the play until all action is completed.

I use the Bob Jenkins method: I give the DDB signal, then drop it. I don't run around the field with my fist out.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I find it hard to believe that anybody would mistake the NFHS Delayed Dead Ball Signal for the Outsignal.

I am not computer literate enough to post pictures of the two signals but if one goes to the Page 36 of the 2011 and 2012 NFHS Baseball Umpires Manual one will see that the Delayed Dead Ball Signal (Signal D) is given with the Left Arm and Fist held straight out from the shoulder parallel to the ground, while the Out Signal (Signal E) is given with the Right Arm (perpendicular to the ground) and Fist held up above the Umpire's head. The signals are completely different in look, and even though I am blind in one eye and can't see out of the other I can tell the difference.

The Umpire just has to momentarily give the DDB Signal while pointing with his Right hand toward where the Obstruction occured while saying (load enough for the players involved): "That's obsturction." Nothing more needs to be said except for Safe or Out on the play. He should not say play on becuase he has not said anything that would cause the ball to become dead such as: Dead Ball!! or Time!! or Foul Ball!! Players should know that they should continue to play until they here one of those three phrases, to say "Play On" is coaching.

RBMartin: Yes you should make a decision as to whether F2 tagged R1 out at HP. That does not stop play. Since you had Obstruction, you will call Time after all play as ceased, in your case, the Out on B2/R2 at 2B, and then award R1 HP for F2's Obstruction.

MTD, Sr.

I only use that stupid DDB signal when I'm professional wrestling and I want to clothesline my opponent.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

I only use that stupid DDB signal when I'm professional wrestling and I want to clothesline my opponent.

Not to be confused with the DDT:

The Top Ten DDT Variations in Wrestling History - YouTube

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

I only use that stupid DDB signal when I'm professional wrestling and I want to clothesline my opponent.

We dropped that mechanic years ago, but I'm sure someone will say we were wrong to do so.