Excuse the Inter---- er---r I mean Obstruction!
Here is a play that actually happened today in Wisconsin and it happened exactly the way the play is described in the 2015 Case Book.
2015 Case Book –Page 59
Rule 8-4.3 Defensive Obstruction
8.4.3 Situation C: With R1 on second and R2 on first, F5 neither has the ball nor is attempting to field a batted ball, obstructs R1 when R1 is (a) attempting to advance on a hit, or (b) returning to third after being trapped between third and home. RULING: In (a), and (b), the umpire would call a delayed dead ball when the obstruction occurred. At the end of playing action the umpire would award all runners effected by the obstruction the base or bases they wouldhave reached had there been no obstruction (2-36; 5-1-3, 8-4-3b).
It should also be noted ( Page 65 of the Rules Book) 8-4-3b Penalty – When any obstruction occurs (including a rundown), the umpire will signal a delayed dead ball. The ball will remain alive.
a. If the obstructed runner is put out prior to reaching the base that would have been reached had there not been obstruction, a dead ball is called and the obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction will be awarded the base or bases which would have been reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had there not been obstruction. An obstructed runner may not be called out between the two bases where she was obstructed.
b. If the obstructed runner is put out after passing the base she would have reached had there been no obstruction, the obstructed runner will be called out. The ball remains alive.
c. When a runner, while advancing or returning to a base, is obstructed by a fielder who neither has t he ball nor is attempting to field a batted ball, or a fielder who fakes a tag without the ball, the obstructed runner and each other runner affected by the obstruction, will be awarded the base of bases which would have been reached, in the umpire’s judgement, had there been no obstruction.
Today the umpire placed the obstructed runner safely back at third where she had last touched safely before being obstructed.
Virgil Berndt, the Head Coach at Medford reached the 300-win list with a 4-3 win over Rhinelander last Friday. I've boosted Virgil up to the 300-win list and removed him from the list of coaches who have won at least 250 games. Congratulation to Virgil Berndt on reaching that milepost.
Word from Stevens Point Coach tom Drohner this evening reveals the fact that SPASH is seeking a game in the near future against a worthy oppoment. Contact Coach Drohner for more information. He can be reached at: Tdrohner@pointschools.net; Stevens Point Area Senior High --715-345-5400
That's it for tonight!
Have a great day! and
Keep It Rising!
Bob
