Plate Obstruction Mechanics

Originally posted by mcrowder
Woodchuck - did you actually read the initial post?

It said, "R1 stutter steps, and drops for the slide as ball comes in for the apparent out". My statement is not incorrect - the ball is dead, not delayed dead, in this situation (for exactly the reason you describe --- "the ball only becomes dead if the obstructed runner is put out on the play")

Actually, Woodchuck's statement is correct. As Woodchuck stated, it is a dead ball only if the obstructed runner is played on and she is out. If the obstructed runner is played on, and she is ruled safe (without the award), you simply drop your arm (or in this case, nothing, since it happened so quick, you never got your arm out to signal DDB), and the ball remains LIVE.

Didn't mean to cause waves. As for Dukat's mechanics; the "technical" mechanics is like what most have stated. If time, stick left arm out (to signal DDB), then when play is on obstructed runner (and ruled out), give a DEAD BALL signal (both arms up), and voice "Dead Ball. Obstruction on catcher (or whichever fielder). Runner awarded home (or, whichever base awarded)." Hope this helps.

Serg