Can there be obstruction called on a 1B for impeding the runner's path on a steal? Let's assume for the sake of argument that the 1B does not intentionally get in the runner's way.
F3 was in position and the runner ran into her on her way to second. Ball was being pitched to the catcher when contact was made.
F3 was in position and the runner ran into her on her way to second. Ball was being pitched to the catcher when contact was made.
If a defensive player who does not have the ball and is not Fielding a batted ball impedes a runners progress it is obstruction. Did f3 have the ball? Was f3 Fielding a batted ball? Did f3 impede the runner? That will give you your answer.
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With a runner on first, I have seen teams that will have F4 positioned directly in the baseline between first and second base. The intent is to force the stealing runner to have to go around F4.
Few teams we played starting in way of runner then stepped forward before release of ball. I think they are doing this to stop runner from leaving early.
Defense has no rights to a thrown ball. They are either in possession of the ball or they are not.So the ball has to be batted, not thrown, for the defender to be entitled to the base path?
Just curious because DD was caught stealing twice in a weekend and both times SS parked in her path waiting for the throw from C. The first time DD tried to run around SS (as well as CF who had come in to cover), the second time she stopped short of the bag because SS, 2B and CF were all converged and the only way to get to the bag was through one or all of them.
Both times, ump said no obstruction because SS was making a play on the throw from C.