OBS protocol
 

Looking for some thoughts on this "almost" situation.

Local slow pitch game played on a field that has a backstop and benches on each side. (No other fencing or dugouts.)

R1 on third; R2 on second; 2 outs.

Batter hits a popup over shortstop that is going to be a tough play. R1, apparently forgetting there are 2 outs, stays on 3rd base as if preparing to tag up. Meanwhile, R2 is running towards third base.

The ball drops in for a base hit and F6 scoops it up on 1 bounce and fires towards home. The throw is off line bringing F2 into the path of R1 who does manage to avoid a collision and step on the plate. OBS is signaled. R2 is about 3 steps behind R1 and scores without incident.

Both runners immediately cross the imaginary DB line between the bench and the backstop pole.

My question is what if R1 had missed the plate? We know that a runner who passes a base is assumed to have touched the base.

Now what happens if the defense appeals that R1 missed the plate?

And that's where I'll turn it over to this forum.

Runner is still required to touch all bases even if obstructed. You have a valid appeal and an out.

Even awarded bases are required to be legally run and touched.

RKBUmp:

You think like Junior and me. You would not believe how many umpires that will rule that the Runner does not have to touch the Base and cannot be ruled out on Appeal.

MTD, Sr.

Do any runs score?

Not when the lead runner is out on appeal for.the 3rd out.

I agree with the appeal process and no runs scoring.

Let me change it up a little.

Instead of both runners crossing into DBT, what happens if R1 definitely missed being able to touch the plate due to the OBS. After R2 scores, both runners are still in live ball territory when F2 retrieves the ball and tags R1 claiming that s/he missed the plate.

Now what?

What happened? Getting too tricky?

Can the obstructed runner legally return to touch the plate after a subsequent runner has scored?

If the obstructed runner is attempting to return to touch the plate and is tagged by F2, is the runner out, or is time called?

No reason for time to be called.

What happens if an obstructed runner is tagged out BETWEEN the bases that the OBS occurred?

Dead ball

D. Obstruction:
The base umpire should immediately:
1. Give the “Delayed Dead Ball” signal and verbally say “obstruction”. The signal need not be held throughout the play, but just long enough for it to be seen.
2. If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the bases they would have reached had there been no obstruction, the umpire shall call “time” and award the obstructed runner and all other runners, the base they would have reached had there been no obstruction.