Obstruction question...(long)

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by The Max Swineberg 7

What if a second baseman is just standing on the edge of the grass and the runner takes a wider than normal path to second and collides with the fielder?

Luckily, you don't have to draw the line. Unless you think the baserunner is not running the bases and is instead TRYING to run into a fielder (as in... chasing them), the baserunner can take WHATEVER path she wants - F4 in this play has to be aware of this and move.

I have, however, seen it coached where the runner tries to create an OBS situation - fielder moves and the runner deviates on purpose to contact the fielder - I have nothing on that play, much to coach's chagrin.