- May 29, 2015
- 3,816
- 113
USA Softball rules ...
Runner on first (R1) leaves the base on the pitch and stops for a large lead off, obviously trying to bait a throw. The catcher (F2) hops up and goes towards R1. R1 keeps feinting and dancing back and forth trying to get the throw and is now about 20 feet off first base.
F2 finally throws to the first baseman (F3) who was coming up behind R1 and was the closest fielder to her. R1 breaks for second. F3 throws to the second baseman (F4). R1 reverses and a rundown begins. F4 throws back to F3 and R1 heads back to second. F4 is in the way and R1 stutter steps as F4 clears the lane. My arm goes up for the obstruction call and then drops to continue the play.
The rundown continues for another 5 turns (meaning changes of direction between first and second base) and R1 is finally tagged out while she is headed back to first base and is about 5 feet off the bag.
I call R1 out as she continues through the bag towards the dugout (on the first base side). I immediately call “Time! I had an obstruction on the second baseman! The runner is right here!” and I point at first base.
Later, my partner says “You had it all right until you put her on first base. She should have gotten second.”
I disagreed with him and explained my rationale.
What do you think?
(I’ll wait for some comments before chiming back in.)
Runner on first (R1) leaves the base on the pitch and stops for a large lead off, obviously trying to bait a throw. The catcher (F2) hops up and goes towards R1. R1 keeps feinting and dancing back and forth trying to get the throw and is now about 20 feet off first base.
F2 finally throws to the first baseman (F3) who was coming up behind R1 and was the closest fielder to her. R1 breaks for second. F3 throws to the second baseman (F4). R1 reverses and a rundown begins. F4 throws back to F3 and R1 heads back to second. F4 is in the way and R1 stutter steps as F4 clears the lane. My arm goes up for the obstruction call and then drops to continue the play.
The rundown continues for another 5 turns (meaning changes of direction between first and second base) and R1 is finally tagged out while she is headed back to first base and is about 5 feet off the bag.
I call R1 out as she continues through the bag towards the dugout (on the first base side). I immediately call “Time! I had an obstruction on the second baseman! The runner is right here!” and I point at first base.
Later, my partner says “You had it all right until you put her on first base. She should have gotten second.”
I disagreed with him and explained my rationale.
What do you think?
(I’ll wait for some comments before chiming back in.)
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