Obstruction opinion - ISF

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by bsnalex

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

Poorly worded, but this is not what you're making it out to be... this is their attempt to codify the fact that the fielder with the ball can not push/pull the runner off the base or grab their jersey to make a play, etc.