- May 13, 2023
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Not certain anything could be considered illegitimate, but one reaction could be better than another. Simply promoting applying the non contact route would be better. After all they still don't want contact. But seems they are trying to give a little bit more ability to get to the ball.Is a bad route an illegitimate reaction?
This comes to mind.Imo, a route not being a "legitimate reaction" would require a level of malice, so obstruction when the fielder has a ball thrown towards them arguably becomes a judgement call on malice, no?
It is difficult for the Umpire to determine intent. Malice would imply an intent to cause a corruption. Hard to determine that.
Particularly because,
Not all players are going to make the smartest decision on angle to the ball= trajectory to it.
Then this scenario
Specifically catcher going up the Third Base Line trying to catch an errant throw either cutting it off in Fair territory or going to foul territory to try and go get it. One would be staying out of the runner's way and the other would be crossing the runners path. That's going to be a tough call.