As long as the runner is still between the 2 bases where obstruction occured the obstruction is not cancelled just because the runner reached the base the umpire judged they would have.
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I’m going to go out on a limb and say many umpires understand the rule, but they are very conservative (read: safe) with their judgment.
In the OP, I’d need to see where the ball is, the extent of the obstruction, and how the defense is playing it. As presented, I’m not likely to give a runner home when she gives up and retreats after a few steps. In my view, the way the rule is written it essentially provides a “free play” for the offense; I’m not likely to reward them for not taking it.
I would venture that most umpires want to see it play out so they make a good judgement call. We don’t want to speculate more than we have to.
Admittedly, too many don’t understand the rule as well ...
Just for clarification. Let us go with a similar play as the original post.
The runner is obstructed by the 3rd baseman as she is rounding 3rd. Runner retreats back to the 3rd base, then notices obstruction is called. After she notices that the umpire called obstruction she runs home and is thrown out at the plate. Does the runner get to score or does she get returned to 3rd base? Is there any scenario where the runner can be called out?
Obstruction is not cancelled as long as the runner is still between the 2 bases where the obstruction occured until 2 separate criteria are met. 1, the obstructed runner must reach the base they would have in the umpires judgement absent the obstruction AND 2, there must be a subsequent play on a different runner. Until BOTH criteria are met the obstruction is not cancelled and the runner cannot be put out between the 2 bases.
So no, if the runner returns to third and then attempts to advance home she still cannot be put out by the defense
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