Stolen OBS / INT question

[U_of_I_Blue]

Dave-

I don't have rulebook in front of me so I'm flying by the seat of my pants. But I'm with mc here, unless as you point out the BR does something intentional to interfere (i.e. intentionally kick the ball, blatantly push fielder, swipe at the glove with his hand ala derrick jeter in the ALCS last year). Now, I may be thinking baseball accepted interp here but isn't it the fielder is protected as long as the ball is within a step and a reach. In your stitch, it seems that the ball is further away than that so they're initial play on the ball is over. Now you have a fielder who blocks the basepath AND impedes the runner's progess without possession of the ball which is the def. for OBS. My view is all dependant on the "step and a reach" interpretation being correct". Just my thoughts.

-Josh