Michigan-Iowa play at the plate.

[voiceoflg]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

The ball never appears to be in possession of the catcher...

I bet the catcher didn't appear to be in possession of the ball, either

[bwburke94]

I see no issue with a safe call, considering that the only way to not rule the runner safe (assuming he touched the plate) is to call malicious contact on the runner, which doesn't appear to be the case based on the original poster's description.

I have not seen the play in question.

[chapmaja]

Found a better replay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwU8_R6TntU


This shows the play at the plate from multiple angles including over the top. Start watching about 50 seconds in.

I agree with the umpire, no call but a safe call.

[CoachPaul]

at :57 you have obstruction. He has moved from his proper location in front of the plate to completely block the plate and he has no possession of the ball. The throw was not off line. He could have and should have stayed where he was, caught the ball and swiped the tag on the running going by. He's only allowed to block the plate once he has the ball, unless the throw takes him up the line.

At :58 the ball enters the frame and is about as perfect as a throw can be. It could have easily been handled without the catcher ever adjusting his feet as he did to block the plate. Also, he didn't move up the line to make the play, he only moved to block the plate.

The runner is safe.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by CoachPaul

at :57 you have obstruction. He has moved from his proper location in front of the plate to completely block the plate and he has no possession of the ball. The throw was not off line. He could have and should have stayed where he was, caught the ball and swiped the tag on the running going by. He's only allowed to block the plate once he has the ball, unless the throw takes him up the line.

At :58 the ball enters the frame and is about as perfect as a throw can be. It could have easily been handled without the catcher ever adjusting his feet as he did to block the plate. Also, he didn't move up the line to make the play, he only moved to block the plate.

The runner is safe.

Coach - unlike NFHS, the rule includes "in the act of fielding" at the NCAA level (and the OBR level).

Obstruction
SECTION 55. The act of a fielder who, while not in possession of or in the act
of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.