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Online now: 4 members: TABLE SETTER 11, dawg888, softball4b, teampanthers; 124 anonymousDiscussion: Obstruction?????
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April 11, 2016 sheik03 5 posts | Obstruction????? Looking for a ruling here please. Runner on first, a left handed hitter at the plate, the first baseman plays even with the bag, blocking the runner to where the runner would have to go outside the first baseman to avoid any contact. So the question, when the ball is hit, does the first baseman have to move out of the way if it is not hit at him? If it is hit at him does the runner have to avoid the first baseman giving him his chance to field the ball? Seems to me the fielder has the right to play anywhere he wants to and the runner must avoid the contact. No different if there was a runner at second and the shortstop played even with the bag, doesn't the runner have to avoid the fielder? Thanks |
April 11, 2016 Rich33 Men's 50 45 posts | runner (offensive) must always avoid contact with defensive player. |
April 11, 2016 The Screamer5 Men's 60 69 posts | The runner (offensive) must always avoid contact with a defensive player if the defensive player is in the process of making a play on a batted ball. If he doesn't it is considered interference even if it inside the baselines. The onus is on the runner as to not interfere with the fielder making a play. If the fielder isn't making a play on the ball, he must not impede the runner within the baselines from advancing, which would be obstruction. The distinction between the two is that the fielder is making a play. So to answer your question, yes, the runner has to avoid the 1st baseman who is making a play on the ball. If the ball isn't hit at the 1st baseman, he has to yield to the runner. |
April 11, 2016 Q19 Men's 65 81 posts | 1.48 • OBSTRUCTION Obstruction is the act of: A. A defensive player or team member who hinders or prevents a batter from striking at or hitting a pitched ball. B. A fielder who is not in possession of the ball, in the act of fielding a batted ball, nor about to receive a thrown ball, who impedes the progress of a runner or batter-runner who is legally running bases. The Screamer5 - "within the baselines" is incorrect. Just remember, don't impede his running path. I know you "round" the bag when attempting to go to the next bag. |