Safe or Out?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by HawkandDove3B
Recreational League in Washington, DC- using the rules of the ASA except as otherwise provided by the league's Rules of Play.

Situation: Batter hits the ball into field of play, over outfield. Batter runs at a slow pace, rounding 2B heading to 3B. Throw comes to the 3B ahead of the runner, 3B positions themselves over the bag, and runner comes to the base, standing up, not attempting to slide. Third base takes throw and reaches around the runner who is still standing. 3B catches the ball "off the back" of the runner who never attempted to slide, ball directly to glove. 3B and runner are approximately 2 feet from base, 3B catches ball, applies tag- Base runner running into the third basemen, still no slide- 3B defenses base, makes catch and tag. ASA umpire makes SAFE call and stating runner was about to take the base and 3B interfereing with the runner.

Understanding: Defensive player entitled to defend the base and permitted to make attempt at fielding play. Runner should slide - safety...

What should the call have been: SAFE or OUT

I find it hard to believe that the fielder was positioned "over the bag" and reaches around the runner to catch the thrown ball and at that point in time both runner and fielder were 2 feet away from the base. There is something wrong with this scenario.

However, it sounds like the umpire ruled obstruction on the 3rd baseman. There is no rule requiring a runner to slide and the runner owns the path to the base until the defender receives or is about to receive the throw.

Sorry, Bob, you know I'm to damn anal to make the "out for being stupid" call