Obstruction on 1B

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Jun 11, 2013
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We were waiting for game in front of us yesterday to end. There was a play where a throw from 3B was a little wild. 1B wound up catching ball with feet on both bases. The runner had to veer off to avoid collision. We were discussing it, and just wondered if obstruction can be called in a situation like that.
 

TMD

Feb 18, 2016
433
43
I'm sure that actual umps will chime in with the correct answer, but my understanding is that if a bad throw causes the 1B to have to use the safety base, there is no obstruction. Certainly a judgment call, so without seeing it, it's hard to say in this case.
 
Jun 22, 2008
3,731
113
If a fielder is not in possession of the ball and not fielding a batted ball and in the judgement of the umpire impedes the runner it is obstruction.
 
Jun 20, 2012
438
18
SoCal
There was a play where a throw from 3B was a little wild. 1B wound up catching ball with feet on both bases. The runner had to veer off to avoid collision.

When did the "veer off" happen? Before or after F3 was in possession of the ball?
 
Sep 14, 2011
768
18
Glendale, AZ
Under USA SB and NFHS, the fielder has no protection when going after a thrown ball. If the actions of the fielder in attempting to catch the bad throw hinder the runner, the fielder is guilty of obstruction.

Think of it this way...who caused the issue? The defense by making a bad throw in the first place. Why should the fielder be protected from a mistake made by her team?

FWIW...the NCAA interp on this is different. If the fielder is pursuing a bad throw, any contact could be considered incidental and not obstruction.
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
DD was injured in a collision at 1st base. The first baseman completely blocked the base and proceeded to "check" DD off into the dirt as well. The throw was coming in but was WAY over the fielders head. The 1st baseman was totally straddling the base. DD got to the base well before the ball passed over her head. The ump wasted no time calling obstruction. DD wound up with torn ligaments in her ankle and was in a boot for 8 weeks.

Funny thing was - DD was the fastest runner on the team. The girl brought in to run for her (the last out) was the slowest girl on the team. Everyone was shaking their heads laughing. This little girl decided she was going to do DD proud and ran those bases like a champ. Scoring her first run the entire season!
 

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