Catcher blocking the plate

[Dean]

- I will try to paint a picture with words....Fed rules of course

(3.3.2  sit C & G)

So F2 drops down and blocks home plate from the runner without the ball, however the runner is still 50 feet away.

The ball is relayed to F1 to F2 and ball beats runner to F2 and F2 tags runner. No malicious anything.

I am thinking when this is happening (I hate this blocking rule – just kidding I wasn’t) 

So F2 cannot block the entire base without the ball – but had the ball when the runner arrived.  But it was close.

What do you have?

[noumpere]

Did the catcher's blocking the plate before he had the ball cause the runner to slow down / alter course etc?

 

answer that, and you'll have your answer.

[Dean]

Did the catcher's blocking the plate before he had the ball cause the runner to slow down / alter course etc?

 

answer that, and you'll have your answer.

 

No - and for the record I called him out-because in my judgement he was out -  just wondering everyone elses thoughts - by the reading of the rules

[catsbackr]

I got nothing (as described).

[GreyhoundAggie]

Noumpere has it right on this one.

 

Unless the catcher blckking the plate early affected the runner or the outcome of the play, then leave it alone.

 

The catcher hasn't obstructed until there is a play, and at the time of the play he has possesion of the ball.

 

Don't overthink the rule Dean.

[maven]

No hindrance = no OBS.

[JaxRolo]

Did the catcher's blocking the plate before he had the ball cause the runner to slow down / alter course etc?<br /><br />answer that, and you'll have your answer.

<br />^^^best answer^^^