Obstruction 101

[IRISHMAFIA]

Had a similar play in the Women's Open championship game at the HCS a few years ago. The only difference is that F5 obstructed the runner and she was tagged going back into 3B.

The OBS did not hinder the runner from reaching home safely, but may have kept her from reaching 3B safely. When tagged diving back into 3B, I simply ruled dead ball, announced the OBS and awarded the runner 3B, by rule.

Yard Dawgs didn't like it and sure enough, they were in the 3B dugout. Coach came out and I explained the rule and call. He said, "but she threw the ball to the catcher." I said, "that's right, coach, she threw the ball and just stood there in the runner's path back toward 3B without the ball".

Based on the scenario you offered, the only way this runner is awarded home is as the result of a F.Y.C.