Catcher kicks base runner diving for the plate

[Velho]

Play at home in todays Pirates - Cubs game that made me wonder. See link below but to summarize, Runner on 1st (R1), line drive to LF, R1 full tilt to score, relay throw gets to Catcher ahead of R1 (so no obstruction) but the catcher, after catching the ball, sticks out his left leg to block the diving R1 from getting to the plate and then tags him out. Call upheld on replay.

Thought that comes to mind for me is how does that ruling translates too other situations? 1B catches pickoff throw ball with his left hand and uses his right arm to hold the runner off until he can tag him. Batters out?

Feels like it's one thing to block the bag, i.e. catch the ball at 2B on a steel and drop your knee in front of bag, but a whole other thing to actively restrict the runner.

Interested in what everyone thinks. Thanks.

 

Link (likely have to go choose the play at bottom left to select "Cubs throw out Newman at plate")

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-pirates/2018/08/19/531266#game_state=final,game_tab=videos,game=531266

 

 

[stkjock]

https://www.mlb.com/video/schwarber-baez-cut-down-run/c-2405469183?tid=63817564

 

https://www.mlb.com/video/cubs-throw-out-newman-at-plate/c-2406501283?tid=70467870

 

 

[Replacematt]

11 hours ago, Velho said:

Play at home in todays Pirates - Cubs game that made me wonder. See link below but to summarize, Runner on 1st (R1), line drive to LF, R1 full tilt to score, relay throw gets to Catcher ahead of R1 (so no obstruction) but the catcher, after catching the ball, sticks out his left leg to block the diving R1 from getting to the plate and then tags him out. Call upheld on replay.

Thought that comes to mind for me is how does that ruling translates too other situations? 1B catches pickoff throw ball with his left hand and uses his right arm to hold the runner off until he can tag him. Batters out?

Feels like it's one thing to block the bag, i.e. catch the ball at 2B on a steel and drop your knee in front of bag, but a whole other thing to actively restrict the runner.

Interested in what everyone thinks. Thanks.

 

Link (likely have to go choose the play at bottom left to select "Cubs throw out Newman at plate")

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-pirates/2018/08/19/531266#game_state=final,game_tab=videos,game=531266

 

 

One of the privileges granted by the obstruction rule is that if a fielder has the ball in time, he is not liable for obstruction. This is a legal play.

[Guest NJ Coach]

And....has there ever been a sweeter uniform in the history of baseball ?   A+ Pirates !

[ricka56]

That was an awesome play F2 made. Legal at HP and any base before and in any rule set. 

When you have the ball and the runner has not yet touched the base, make him pay for his base running error.