Obstruction at first base

[Matt]

Originally Posted by CT1

Did F3 cheat to gain an advantage? If so, you probably have OBS, even without contact.

Intent never plays a role in OBS.

[DG]

Originally Posted by umpjim

I concur (never had to rule on the FED caseplay sit) but I have a nagging question about a play I just saw. Bunted ball down 3B line. F3 set up behind 1B and we get the out. Offense says he slowed down my runner who peeled off in stride to avoid trucking the F3. I have nothing but it might be a intentional position to affect the runner. Do we require a train wreck here? That's what that offensive coach is going to tell his runner next time.

Thin argument in my view.

[johnnyg08]

Start ejecting. Most youth coaches are morons.

[Out]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If the game was played under OBR, then the fielder can occupy the space to field the throw.

99.95% of these types of plays at first are "train wrecks" -- neither OBS nor INT.

Originally Posted by jpgc99

Always listen to Bob. This is great advice.

This man has at his heart the spirit of humankind!

[Out]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Start ejecting. Most youth coaches are morons.

Ah, but johnny, the greatest power should have the most delicate touch.

B. Goode! B. Goode!

[dougprob]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Rule is pretty clear. Interpretation, obviously, is all over the freaking map.



Rule (except NCAA) says that if a defensive player is not fielding a batted ball (BATTED, not thrown), and is in the runners path without the ball, and the runner or batter-runner deviates (slows or changes) his path to avoid that fielder, it's obstruction.



YMMV.

As Bob Jenkins most eloquently espoused, if a throw takes the F3 into the runner's lane, 99.9% of the time in any game I've worked or watched, it's simply a train wreck and play on.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by Out

Ah, but johnny, the greatest power should have the most delicate touch.

B. Goode! B. Goode!

It depends. But I see your point.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by BoomerSooner

When I first started I appreciated having my plate umpire guide me when there was a play that might be 50/50 on whether I should go out or come into the infield. It starts as a learning thing and develops into something that helps both of us know who has the call. It prevents us from both watching a ball hit to the outfield, as well as the much worse alternative; neither of us is watching the ball. Once you've worked with one partner long enough communication becomes more subtle and you rely on instinct more because both of you trust the other's instinct.

I agree with most of this however, it is the BU actions that dictate the PU mechanics on these type of plays. Pre-game discussion. "You go out, I have all plays on the bases. You don't need to signal send a text or say I am going out, your the only one dressed like me and I can see you and will react accordingly."

[egj13]

[QUOTE=todd.dicken;960472]Im at position "A" and the batter hits a ROUTINE fly ball to center. I proceed to run into the infield and turn to watch the runner touch first.

on an 8u game you went to the inside? Been a minute since I did LL stuff so maybe mechanics have changed but on 60 foot bases are you going "inside"? Maybe the softball guys can weigh in on the mechanics of this but I thought on a small field you always stay outside which would have you moving towards the CF...but again, I don't know 60 foot field mechanics.

[Welpe]

Small ball mechanics (both baseball and softball) have the BU going inside on balls hit out of the infield.

[RPatrino]

In FED ball, a throw that takes the F3 into the runner is obstruction. In all other codes, if that contact is made while the fielder is 'in the act of fielding the throw', it would be a train wreck.