I'd say you do! 
Obstruction or not?
- Thread starter SamG
- Start date
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- May 30, 2011
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Everyone seems to look for reasons why OBS is not OBS.
It's pretty simple..
If the offensive player has to alter his/her path to avoid a defensive player, or if the offensive player is blocked or impeded by an offensive player you have OBS.. unless..
1. The defensive player HAS THE BALL IN POSSESSION. This does NOT include waiting for the ball, about to receive the ball, or running after a dropped throw.
2. The defensive player is making the INITIAL PLAY ON A BATTED BALL. If more than one defensive player is trying to play a batted ball the umpire must decide which one has the best chance to make a play on the ball and only that defensive player gets right of way without having the ball.
Short of the above you almost certianly have OBS if the offensive player is hindered, impeded, or alters his/her path due to a defensive player's position. Yes the offensive player can still be called out in certain circumstances.
However the common reasons for not calling OBS don't pass the test of #1 or #2 above.. namely..
"The defensive was just trying to go after the ball."
The defense may go after the ball so long as they do not obstruct the offense with the exception of the defense making an initial play on the batted ball. Chasing after a ball that has gotten by, moving to field a throw, moving to back up a throw may all be what the defense is "supposed to do" but it does not allow the defense to obstruct.
"The defense was in position to catch the ball."
Fabulous. And if the defense actually catches the ball before obstructing the offense, great! But if the runner alters his/her path due to the defensive players position prior to the defense receiving the ball its OBS.
"The defense who missed the throw can't just disappear".
I suppose she can't. I guess she should have caught the ball. Since she didn't she has no right to obstruct.
It's pretty simple..
If the offensive player has to alter his/her path to avoid a defensive player, or if the offensive player is blocked or impeded by an offensive player you have OBS.. unless..
1. The defensive player HAS THE BALL IN POSSESSION. This does NOT include waiting for the ball, about to receive the ball, or running after a dropped throw.
2. The defensive player is making the INITIAL PLAY ON A BATTED BALL. If more than one defensive player is trying to play a batted ball the umpire must decide which one has the best chance to make a play on the ball and only that defensive player gets right of way without having the ball.
Short of the above you almost certianly have OBS if the offensive player is hindered, impeded, or alters his/her path due to a defensive player's position. Yes the offensive player can still be called out in certain circumstances.
However the common reasons for not calling OBS don't pass the test of #1 or #2 above.. namely..
"The defensive was just trying to go after the ball."
The defense may go after the ball so long as they do not obstruct the offense with the exception of the defense making an initial play on the batted ball. Chasing after a ball that has gotten by, moving to field a throw, moving to back up a throw may all be what the defense is "supposed to do" but it does not allow the defense to obstruct.
"The defense was in position to catch the ball."
Fabulous. And if the defense actually catches the ball before obstructing the offense, great! But if the runner alters his/her path due to the defensive players position prior to the defense receiving the ball its OBS.
"The defense who missed the throw can't just disappear".
I suppose she can't. I guess she should have caught the ball. Since she didn't she has no right to obstruct.
