Dropped third strike

[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by Bob Lyle
The umpires ruled obstruction on the pitcher and awarded the BR first base.

The coach for the defense ended up getting ejected along with the pitcher. Since I was only a fan, I don't know what was said or what the umpires were thinking. Would one of the rules gurus please enlighten me.

Sounds like a pretty good call to me.

The pitch couldn't be caught, by rule, so it was treated as a dropped K2. [see OBR 2.00 Definition of A Ball] The B-R was legally entitled to attempt to acquire 1st base.

The batter-runner cannot abandon the base path, and isn't considered to have deserted it either, until he reaches the dugout. [see OBR 6.09(b)Comment] The B-R was entitled to turn for 1st and run.

Obstruction is any act by the defense without the ball that hinders or impedes the runner's legitimate effort to acquire a base. [see OBR 7.06(a)] The pitcher impeded the B-R in his effort to reach 1st base.

Any player, coach, manager who objects to decisions may be disqualified and ejected. [see OBR 9.01(d)]. The pitcher and defensive coach each must have objected to the umpire's decision on the play.

There you have it, Bob. Hope this helps.

Cheers.