OBSTRUCTION
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, runner is caught in a rundown between second and first and is obstructed by the first base person. Runner is tagged out retreating back to first base as umpire signals obstruction. Does runner gain first or second base on obstruction call?
ANSWER: In baseball only, runner is awarded one base beyond last base occupied at time of violation; hence, runner is awarded second base. If runner reached first base safely despite obstruction, runner would still gain an award to second base. (BB- Rule 8, Sec. 4, Art. 2) In softball only, once player is called out in above play, umpire will signal obstruction, dead ball and award runner the base she would have reached (first base), in umpire’s judgement, had there not been a hindrance. She was returning to first base, hence, she would be awarded that base. (SB- Rule 8, Sec.4, Art. 3, b). In softball, ump judges base award while in baseball, runner is at least one base forward due to defensive hindrance.
QUESTION: Batter singles and rounds first base as first base person is in his/ her way preventing further advance. Umpire signals obstruction in delayed dead ball play. Does batter-runner gain a base award?
ANSWER: Once play is completed, in baseball only, umpire again awards batter-runner at least one base ahead; hence, second base. (BB- Rule 8-4-2).
In softball only, if umpire would award runner second base only if runner definitely had a chance to advance if no obstruction occurred. If not, ump would award batter-runner first base only.
(SB – Rule 8-4-3). The signal for obstruction is left arm extended horizontally, stating obstruction.
