Clarification on Obstruction

[BlitzkriegBob]

I have made many calls of obstruction this year, but never have had to award bases as a result of any obstruction. My question is in reference to what the determining point for the obstruction is: the point that the base runner has been hindered, or the point where the obstruction lies.

For example, a batter gets a hit to the outfield, and before they can reach first base, they realize F3 is standing inches off the second base side of first base. They slow down and alter their base path prior to reaching first base. Are they now protected between home and first, or are they protected between first and second?

This has been what I have seen the majority of the time, and at all three bases. If I had been forced to rule on this, I would have given the benefit of the doubt to the offense, and protected the runner between the two furthest bases, but I would like to hear what y'all think.