new obstruction rule

[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).