Plate Obstruction Mechanics

[Steve M]

from Dukat - I had a play last night in a FED game that reminded me a lot of the play that happened at the CWS last year where the plate umpire had the bang bang obstruction play. B1 rounds third and ball is coming in from left field. Catcher is blocking the plate and almost simultaneously R1 stutter steps, and drops for the slide as ball comes in for the apparent out (apparent for anyone that does not know the rules that is) I have no doubt I got the call right but I am not so sure I sold it correctly. Since it happened all at the same time I basically just threw up 1 arm and loudly stated "Safe Obstruction" Was this the proper mechanic for this?

Selling the call correctly - I do not know that you could possibly make or sell the call more correctly than the play at last year's CWS. Throw the arm up and if the runner is put out, call Dead Ball. Turn, if need be, and point directly at the player who obstructed and say something like "Obstruction on the catcher. The runner is awarded home." Make sure that you look AND sound absolutely sure of yourself when you do this. Your appearance and sound will determine how much, if nay, heat that you get for making what you believe to be the right call.