Obstruction opinion - ISF

[bsnalex]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Um ... can you quote the rule - I don't have that book here. "Not making a play" makes me think of a fielder with the ball who doesn't even know there is a runner in the vicinity... but even in that case, I do not see the obstruction rule allowing OBS to be called in this case.

Rule 8.7.b.5
8.Batter-Runner and Runner: (7)RUNNERS ARE ENTITLED TO ADVANCE WITHOUT LIABILITY TO BE PUT-OUT (b) When a fielder prevents the runner from making a base, or impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases; if the fielder is (5) In possession of the ball, but not in the act of making a play on the runner which intentionally impedes the progress of that runner or batter-runner who is legally running the bases.

Again--not sure how you could be next to the runner with the ball, and simultaneously impede him but not knowning be making a play. Sounds like it would more be a case of back to the basics