Another INT/OBS Question

[youngump]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

I take exception to the significance of the underlined portion. The IFF requires ordinary effort, but not protection for fielding a batted ball. Even if this would have required the absolute limit of F6's ability, if you judge she could have made the play, you must call this INT, not OBS.

Now, I do agree it sounds like OBS. I also think it is important that we not focus on ordinary effort when we protect a fielder.

I'm not sure I understand why she'd have to be able to make the play. If the ball hits the ground before she gets there, she's going to field it anyway, no? To prevent the runner from going home?
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LaCremo

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by youngump

I'm not sure I understand why she'd have to be able to make the play. If the ball hits the ground before she gets there, she's going to field it anyway, no? To prevent the runner from going home?

I've been thinking this through this whole thread. For a batted ball, "making a play" is not the standard. "Attempting to field" is the standard. In the OP, the umpire has to make a judgment on which fielder is protected by the "attempting to field" standard. If it is the back-peddling F6, it is interference. If it is another fielder (F5, F8, whoever), it is obstruction. There is no requirement that a rule-book definition PLAY be involved at all, and there certainly is no "ordinary effort" standard on making a catch.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I've been thinking this through this whole thread. For a batted ball, "making a play" is not the standard. "Attempting to field" is the standard. In the OP, the umpire has to make a judgment on which fielder is protected by the "attempting to field" standard. If it is the back-peddling F6, it is interference. If it is another fielder (F5, F8, whoever), it is obstruction. There is no requirement that a rule-book definition PLAY be involved at all, and there certainly is no "ordinary effort" standard on making a catch.

Tom, think about the sterotypical bounding ball up the middle with a runner on 2nd. EVERY defensive coach believes F6 can chase that ball that you know she cannot actually field; and you now want to call the occasional collision or other interaction interference because she is only "attempting" to field, and has a better chance than anyone else that also can't make a play?

Sorry, but if she cannot field the ball to make a play, she isn't protected; because isn't "fielding a batted ball". That's obstruction.