Automatic Obstruction?

[Al]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

A somewhat related question. Let's say a fielder/catcher is repeatedly blocking the base/plate w/o the ball, but not impeding runners. Is it coaching or is it preventive officiating to suggest the fielder/catcher stop doing it?

Good question, Cecil. I was a catcher my entire time playing from minor league, major league (little league) and through high school. I didn't place myself directly in front of the plate until I got the ball in my mitt. Even at the high school level I never had a coach tell me I couldn't be there without the ball if a runner was coming in wide of the plate. I guess the coaches were either thinking it may be considered an automatic OBS by some umpires, or they knew the risk that a smart runner would make sure it was obstruction. So I would say an umpire should stay clear of preventive officiating and let the chips fall where the players dictate. I think a good coach would advise his catcher to avoid setting up directly in front of the plate until he/she has the ball. That's probably why it's a rare thing. Coaches probably realize there's a better than equal chance that obstruction will be called, especially with good base runners. ...Al

P.S. In another T-Ball game one batter/runner must have thought the safest way to avoid throwing the bat was to take it with him all the way to first base! His grandparents liked that one... Another kid walked off from the Tee after missing the ball by several inches on the first two swings. He went to go find another bat. He didn't care what dugout it came from. His grandfather said: "Hey ump he needs another bat that one had two holes in it...Fun at the ole' ball park! ..