I did say, if spoken as if it came from an umpire.

I would definitely have to KNOW, from the way the participants acted, that there was INTENT to confuse, in any of the cases I mentioned. I can give an obvious example if you like:

Runner running from 2nd to 3rd, shortstop and I are near each other, the ball coming in from RF. Shortstop watching the play yells "TIME!", Runner hesitates, F5 gets the ball and tags runner, and the F6 give a hand-pump saying, "YES!!!"

I think intent was clear, and the verbal Umpire-Like call obstructed the runner illegally.

I've often had players begin screaming for time when the ball is still in transit to the infield, so I probably wouldn't call this runner out for a couple of reasons.

Even the dumbest of players should know an umpire doesn't doesn't call time in the middle of a play.

Even the dumbest coach knows to tell their players to never stop running unless the coach tells them to stop.

The runner has a coach directly in front of her for direction.

The only thing missing here is a tow rope to pull the runner to the base.

Maybe it's just the level of ball. I have no problem with deceipt and "trickery". Shame on the opposition for not knowing the game.

JMHO,

When I read the original post I had invisioned F4 slapping his glove then turning toward the baserunner. Slapping the glove is not in itself obstruction but slapping the glove and then turning toward the BR might be.

Verbal obstruction is difficult to call. In fact I can't rememebr ever calling a verbal obstruction. A few months ago I was workig an adult league game. The BR hit a long high fly to RF, close to the line. I indicated that the ball was fair and the BR made it to 2nd. F4 told the BR that it was a foul ball and when he stepped off the bag he tagged him out. Was that verbal obstruction? No, it was taking advantage of a players stupidity. Another time R1 (on 2B) was leading off and talking to F6 about remodeling houses (this had been going on for a couple of pitches). They were laughing until the pitcher turned and threw the ball the F4 who then tagged R1 out. Was that verbal obstruction? No, again it was taking advantage of a players stupidity. I'm sure that every umpire out there has stories like these.

Bottom line: The players are responsible for knowing what's going on during the game & their coaches are tasked to help them know.

Yelling things like "go, go", "back, back" or "time" IMO does not constitute obstruction.