Now, for some actual baseball

[DG]

Baseline not an issue here. Doing a 90 out of the baseline to draw an OBS call is.

[mbyron]

On another forum, the growing consensus on this play is that the runner:
(a) probably intentionally bumped F2 to draw the OBS call (he's looking at him most of the time), and
(b) it's still close enough to call, especially in real time.

[David B]

Originally Posted by mbyron

On another forum, the growing consensus on this play is that the runner:
(a) probably intentionally bumped F2 to draw the OBS call (he's looking at him most of the time), and
(b) it's still close enough to call, especially in real time.

I can see both of those points. Good base running. In real time it just
looks like he turns that way to run back to home and F2 is in the way - good base running.

Thanks
David

[kylejt]

The trouble with pointing at the plate is what you are saying when you don't point at the plate. You're giving the defense information on a missed dish.

Don't point at the plate, unless you're conveying information to the scorekeeper on a timing play. That's when it's proper to point at the plate.

[Art N]

Originally Posted by DG

Baseline not an issue here. Doing a 90 out of the baseline to draw an OBS call is.

I would have to agree with you from what I have seen MLB umps call in the past.
Based on just what I have seen Shane Victorino of Phillies do as a runner in run downs and get the obstruction call, this play is peanuts. Last year while in a run down between 1st and 2nd, Shane curled heading back towards second base several feet onto the inside (infield side) of the grass and ran right into the second baseman who probably thought he was far enough away. Victorino was awarded 2nd. It was pretty obvious what he was doing, but was awarded the base. I've seen him do this a couple of times now with success.

Would the level of ball change the way any of you would call it? i.e. small diamond games vs. JR-SR Babe Ruth/Legion/HS?

[mbyron]

I'm not just looking at the defense, nor just at the runner. I'm trying to see the whole play.

To NOT call OBS on a rundown, I need to see the runner veer from a path to the base in order to contact the fielder. Merely swinging around one way rather than another when changing directions won't do it. Merely stepping 1 step toward a fielder won't do it. Just as he's allowed to round a base, he's allowed to change directions as he pleases. He must clearly be running in a direction other than toward the base to merit a no-call.

From what I've observed, coaches who teach their runners to run into the fielder also teach their fielders how to clear the basepath after throwing the ball.

[Art N]

From what I've observed, coaches who teach their runners to run into the fielder also teach their fielders how to clear the basepath after throwing the ball.[/QUOTE]

Here is one video of Shane Victorino that certainly looks like he initated the contact, but was awarded 2nd on the OBS and the Mets mgr was ejected for arguing it. I'm a Phillies fan and I thought this was generous at the time.

Baseball Video Highlights & Clips | PHI@NYM: An obstruction call gets Manuel ejected - Video | MLB.com: Multimedia

[MD Longhorn]

Again, I would expect even my first year guys to get this one right.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I'm not just looking at the defense, nor just at the runner. I'm trying to see the whole play.

To NOT call OBS on a rundown, I need to see the runner veer from a path to the base in order to contact the fielder. Merely swinging around one way rather than another when changing directions won't do it. Merely stepping 1 step toward a fielder won't do it. Just as he's allowed to round a base, he's allowed to change directions as he pleases. He must clearly be running in a direction other than toward the base to merit a no-call.

From what I've observed, coaches who teach their runners to run into the fielder also teach their fielders how to clear the basepath after throwing the ball.

Sounds like we're saying very similar things. However, I can't see how you can say this and still have OBS in the OP. He didn't swing around one way or another - he turned, found the fielder, and lowered his shoulder into him.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Sounds like we're saying very similar things. However, I can't see how you can say this and still have OBS in the OP. He didn't swing around one way or another - he turned, found the fielder, and lowered his shoulder into him.

If we're saying the same thing, cool.

The call in the video is umpire judgment. You don't like it, I can see how it was called OBS in real time. :shrug:

You have to admit it was close, and the call on the field was not as bad as we've seen in MLB this season.

[DG]

Looks to me like the runner was watching the catcher, not the ball, and flung himself 90 degrees sideways at the catcher after he released the ball, no doubt in attempt to draw an OBS call, and it worked. Seems very clear IMHO, not close at all.

[dash_riprock]

The runner was clearly trying to draw an OBS call. Whether or not he was obstructed is not so clear.