obs

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

I have to slightly disagree. In the final pic it does appear the ball is in the tip of the glove to me. It is not clear enough to say that it isn't in the glove, thus no possession.

With that said, I agree that in the totality of the pictures, this would appear to be an early slide directly caused by the position of the defensive player who did not have the ball.

Based solely on these pictures, I can't see how I would not have an obstruction call on this play.

It doesn't meet the definition of possession (e.g., catch). The runner's ability to arrive at 2nd base was delayed by a defender not in possession of the ball. That much is clear.

I would go further to say she likely went into an early slide due to the defender's positioning several feet in front of the base (without possession of the ball). The act of sliding may be natural and appropriate, but not that early and far from the base. I would err on the side of penalizing the defender, and that's coming from the last person to be labeled "obstruction happy."