OBSTRUCTION
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, runner from first base attempts to steal second but the catcher’s throw is well ahead of the runner. As a result, runner retreats back towards first base and collides with second base person as umpire signals/ call obstruction. Runner is tagged out before reaching first base. Is obstruction live / dead ball play? Does the out stand? Is runner awarded first or second base?
ANSWER: Obstruction is delayed dead ball play. (BB only) When runner is tagged out, ball will be declared dead and runner will be awarded one (1) base in advance of last base occupied; hence, runner gains second. ( Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 2). (SB only) Once impeded runner is tagged out, time will be called and runner will be awarded base she would have reached before being obstructed; hence, runner is awarded first base. ( Rule 8, Sec. 4, Art. 3,b Penalty ,a)
QUESTION: Runner rounds second base and is obstructed by shortstop advancing to third. Umpire calls/ signals obstruction, but runner continues to run past third and is thrown out at home. Does the out stand? Is runner automatically awarded home?
ANSWER: A base runner who advances beyond the base he / she would have received as an award does so at risk of being out. (BB- Rule 8, Sec. 3, Art. 4) ( SB- Rule 8-4-3b Penalty, b and ball remains live).