new obstruction rule

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by FUBLUE
Mr. Mafia---

You're right we should have been calling it for a long time...but few ever do. Unlike a "normal" obstruction call, we can't really hesitate too long to get the left arm out...we have a simultaneous play...so we (right?) must call dead ball, obstructed runner and award the runner first base. (or second, or third or home).

I had a coach recently, in discussing this rule with me, say that he's still going to teach his fielders to block the base. In his words, until umpires start calling it, why not block the base? And at first he said, "what's the worst you're going to call? Obstruction, and give the runner first. We win both ways...could get an out, but if obstruction is called, we get the runner back on first." (Unlike the old-time rule of awarding the next base--FEDERATION BALL).

I believe one reason NFHS dropped the automatic base award was to get umpires to make the call as many would let it slide instead of giving the runner a free base.

In one of my first Fed games (JV) about six or seven years ago, I called obstruction on F3 who dropped the leg in front of the bag waiting on a throw. The runner stopped and stepped over the leg. That's how early she blocked the base and she never moved.

The coach went ballistic. What the head coach didn't know at the time is that I had warned her not continue doing it and had a short discussion with his first base coach about it earlier in the game. But this was the first time a runner had checked up and changed the manner in which she was proceeding. Coach told me he didn't care, I cannot make that call on a pick-off play. Unbelieveable.

After the game, F3s father approached me and told me I shouldn't be making calls like that. I asked him if getting one cheap out was worth taking the risk of his daughter sustaining a serious injury and not being able to walk or run correctly the rest of her life if that runner legally slid into her leg. Funny how the parents never have an answer for a question like that.

Maybe you should remind the coach that the umpire is not restricted to put the runner back on 1B. If the umpire realizes the act is with intent, it could be construed as an unsportsmanlike act and if the coach comes out and argues in support of a player commiting an USC, they may end up on the bus with F3.

I support calling obstruction even when it is obvious that the runner is going nowhere just to let the teams know you are aware of the rule and that you will make the call.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by shipwreck
Do you think we will see a lot more obstruction calls on pick-off attempts at first base? It seems like many times on a pick-off attempt at first, the fielder gets in the runners way somewhat before the ball gets there. Dave

Dave,

I would say 70% of obstruction violations are on the pick-
off attempt at 1B. If I have warned an F3 twice and it
does occur again, I have advanced runner to 2nd. Anymore
warnings than that, she gone.

[FUBLUE]

I agree, and to continue the conversation I had with the coach, I mentioned USC. He (remember, we've known each other for years) chuckled and said I was one of about 10 he knows who would do that. I took it as a compliment.

But he does raise a valid point. Why not do it if you can get away with it?

But you raise a good point too. Removing the automatic award makes umpires more willing to call it.

And I love the question to the parent...they never do have an answer to this type of question.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by FUBLUE
I agree, and to continue the conversation I had with the coach, I mentioned USC. He (remember, we've known each other for years) chuckled and said I was one of about 10 he knows who would do that. I took it as a compliment.

But he does raise a valid point. Why not do it if you can get away with it?

It is a good point from a coach's point of view. From an umpire's point of view, it is a no win situation.

Quite often, when an umpire makes a call that coaches, players and fans ALL believe to be erroneous or vindictive, only good umpires know that it was correct as the non-umpires usually only know or are aware of about 50-60% of the entire game.

My solution would be to get the umpires to make the call, and make it hurt. But it comes back to the same question to the parents. Is a cheap out worth the possibility of screwing up some kid's life?