Obstruction

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Nov 22, 2016
57
8
Runners at 1st and 3rd ball was hit to centerfield as runner was heading to third the SS was called for obstructing the runner.
I'm the offensive coaches mind they felt the runner could have scored on the play but held the runner up at 3rd.
Question: How many bases is the runner allowed to get on this obstruction call?
 
Feb 13, 2015
164
18
I know the rule states that a runner cannot be called out between the bases where obstruction occured. So she gets third if she goes for it. I don't think obstruction guarantees Amy further base, even if it was obvious she could have made it without obstruction. Others that know better than me will likely post soon.

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marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
The umpire can award the base that the runner would have reached in their judgement if the obstruction didn't occur - so yes they can award more than one base if appropriate.

That is different than explicitly not being at risk at being put out between the bases the obstruction occurred (with some exceptions).

This is from the NFHS case book:

2.36 SITUATION A:
F6 fakes a tag as R1 approaches second base. R1 decides to continue on to third base where she is thrown out.
RULING: F6 is guilty of obstruction. Faking a tag is obstruction. If in the judgment of the umpire R1 would have reached third base had she not been obstructed, she would be awarded her base. Otherwise she is out. (2-21; 3-6-2; 8-4-3b)

So... as the obstruction is between 1B and 2B the runner cannot be put out between those two bases but she is not automatically protected when she attempts to go to the next base - that is a judgement call on the umpire.
 

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