Corlay's comment was in response to MTR's post about a fielder straddling the base without the ball. My response was directed specifically toward those 2 in which the pretext was the fielder did not have the ball. If the fielder is in possession of the ball they have every right to be on top of or straddling the base. If they do not possess the ball, then for all practical purposes the runner owns every inch of the base and any area immediately around it they need to access it.
Collision at second base
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- Sep 29, 2014
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Thanks for the clarification, exactly why we always teach if there is not a play take a step away from the bag
- Jun 22, 2008
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And what if the runner wants to continue to 3B?
As Comp noted, the runner basically owns the field and the only person who can get in the runner's way is a defender in possession of the ball. The "give the runner part of the base" is a myth perpetuated by coaches who don't know the rules.
The way I picture a fielder "straddling the bag",
is still giving the runner the front part of the bag to round it, if she wishes to.
but, a fielder should only be straddling the bag if to receive a throw and make a close play.
if the ball beats the Runner, then Fielder has rights to the bag,
and if ball doesn't beat the Runner, the play is going to be close, and Runner is probably sliding, anyway.
Add: Only 1 fielder gets the right-of-way on a batted ball. If multiple fielders are going for the ball, the umpire decides which one is protected and the others have to avoid OBS.
- Jun 22, 2008
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With the exception of the NCAA, no possession of the ball, no right to be anywhere on the field. It is really simple and I have no idea why people go out of their way to try and complicate it.
That is wrong.
ok, let's think of a plausible scenario...
Close play on Runner at 2B.
Runner barely beats ball to the bag, doesn't slide, and rounds base making contact with the Fielder.
Thrown ball is not caught, jarrs loose, and drops to ground.
Umpire calls "Obstruction"...
Even with the obstruction call, whether the Runner is awarded the next base,
is dependent upon the judgement of the Umpire, if she would have made it there if the obstruction had not occurred.
So - with the ball now in the SS hand, the Runner remains safe at 2B...
I just don't see how if there is going to be a close play,
the Fielder has to vacate the area around the base entirely, *until* they have possession.
It's just not feasible...
The Fielder needs to position herself to receive a thrown ball and apply a quick tag.
Where would you have her position herself to do so, I ask?
The fielder can position themselves anywhere they like, just as long as they do not impede the runner in any way unless they have possession of the ball or are fielding a batted ball. The umpire has no way of telling you where that is, just that the defense cannot impede the runner.
