Fielder Obstucting View

[Hoosier_Dave]

Biggest problem here is intent. We can't jump into their minds and know what they intended to do. No rule says where a fielder can or cannot stand in the field of play. I got nothing. If coach complains, tell the coach, "tell me where it says the first baseman can't stand between the runner and pitcher?"

[blueskysblue]

Nothing!

That's one reason the 1st base coach is there. He/she has the option of moving in the coach's box, while the runner is "tied" to the base, in a manner of speaking.

If I were the runner, and the defensive player is standing in the baseline: once the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, I'm running into the defensive player (not in a malicious manner, of course) and asking for an obstruction call on my attempted steal.

[CecilOne]

I agree it's nothing by rule, except NCAA etc.

For arguement/devil-advocate sake, if we ask the question of whether the defense position impeded or hindered the runner's progress, then what?

Is it any less of an impediment than verbal obstruction?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

I agree it's nothing by rule, except NCAA etc.

For arguement/devil-advocate sake, if we ask the question of whether the defense position impeded or hindered the runner's progress, then what?

Is it any less of an impediment than verbal obstruction?

Okay, let's go in this direction.

Where is the impediment? Why would anyone think that a runner has a "right" to be able see the pitcher's release? If a RHP releases the ball at a point the runner on first cannot see it, should the pitch be illegal?

Following the same train of thought, if a fielder catches a fly ball, should they be called for OBS if the runners couldn't see the catch and could not legally leave the base sooner as if they could if the contact with the ball was visible?

And as noted before, with the exception of the pitcher on the PP, the catcher in the box and all others in fair territory, why would an umpire take it upon themselves to "place" a player and risk a protest?