ASA's New OBS Rule

[Dakota]

Here is a quote from the ASA web site on the published 2005 rule changes...

Rule #8, Section 5 B 1 1. An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where obstructed unless properly appealed for:
NEW a) when an obstructed runner, after the obstruction, safely obtains the base they would have been awarded, in the umpire’s judgment, had there been no obstruction and there is a subsequent play on a different runner, the obstructed runner is no longer protected between the bases where they were obstructed and may be put out,
... Comment: This change maintains an offense/defense balance that eliminates confusion on an obstruction play between bases.

I assume this is an editorial oversight. Certainly, this is not an appeal play.

[Skahtboi]

Tom:

Go back and read the entire passage. It is referring to the same old appeal processes that have always been able to get an obstructed runner put out between the bases where the obstruction occurred. Here is the entire passage:

"Rule #8, Section 5 B 1 1. An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where obstructed unless properly appealed for:
NEW a) when an obstructed runner, after the obstruction, safely obtains the base they would have been awarded, in the umpire’s judgment, had there been no obstruction and there is a subsequent play on a different runner, the obstructed runner is no longer protected between the bases where they were obstructed and may be put out,
b. when properly appealed for missing a base,
c. when properly appealed for leaving a base before a fly ball was first touched
d. when committing an act of interference, or
e. when passing another runner.
Comment: This change maintains an offense/defense balance that eliminates confusion on an obstruction play between bases."

[whiskers_ump]

And before Mike can say it,

It is not new, revised.

[Dakota]

Originally posted by whiskers_ump
And before Mike can say it,

It is not new, revised.

Au Contraire, old bearded one... ASA themselves declares the rule as "NEW"!

Scott, I'm not confused as to their intent ... just pointing out with a bit of whimsy that they did say that all of the exceptions are only "unless properly appealed".

I was wondering how the defense goes about appealing a successful put out, or even better - what the proper mechanics would be for the umpire who has just seen the put out but has to wait on the appeal to make the ruling.

As I said, just a bit of whimsicality.