Obstruction ruling

[IRISHMAFIA]

Roger,

I'm sorry, but I must still disagree with the notion that advancement is automatic. If that is what you want to use as an indicator, that's your judgment call. Nowhere in the rule (FED) does it state a runner is advanced if obstructed while advancing. Even in the Case Book plays, the ruling is always worded the the umpire will award the obstructed runner the base they would have made had the obstruction not occurred. The wording is intentionally vague to allow the umpire to use their judgment and not be bound by the specifics of a rule book.

Have you never had a runner attempt to advance to the next base and the first thing that runs through your mind is, "What the hell is she doing, she doesn't have a prayer?" Well, if that is what you thought before a runner is obstructed, by rule, that runner should not be awarded the next base just for trying.

JMHO,