Obstruction/Missed Base

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

How would you determine that? What if a coach taught the technique in practice but doesn't utter a word to his/her players during the game, knowing they'll do it anyway? Not trying to be an a**, just devil's advocate.

If I see a coach's players repeatedly and deliberately standing on the bases with clear intent to do so, I'm going to say something to the coach under the guise of "preventative umpiring."

"Coach, I've been calling OBS on just about every play. Your fielders can't just stand on the bases and block the runners unless they have the ball. Understand?"

See what he says then.

"But, Blue... That's what they're taught to do!"