Obstruction on a runner that left early

[Zachary]

Runner on second base, one out. Pop fly on the infield, runner takes off for whatever reason (we can say he mistakenly assumed there were two outs). He collides with the 3rd baseman (who was not the protected fielder or in position to make a play), obstruction is probably called (right), but does this protect the runner from the mistake he made if after the pop up is caught he is then doubled off of 2B?

[noumpere]

36 minutes ago, Zachary said:

Runner on second base, one out. Pop fly on the infield, runner takes off for whatever reason (we can say he mistakenly assumed there were two outs). He collides with the 3rd baseman (who was not the protected fielder or in position to make a play), obstruction is probably called (right), but does this protect the runner from the mistake he made if after the pop up is caught he is then doubled off of 2B?

This depends on the timing. If the OBS prevented the runner from returning to second before the defense can appeal, then enforce the OBS.  If not, allow the appeal.

 

For example If the runner was running all out for third and the OBS happened just as F4 was catching the ball and the defense was already setting up for the appeal -- then allow the appeal.  IF R2 was returning to second when he was OBS and the ball was still high in the air, then enforce the OBS.

[Zachary]

3 hours ago, noumpere said:

This depends on the timing. If the OBS prevented the runner from returning to second before the defense can appeal, then enforce the OBS.  If not, allow the appeal.

 

For example If the runner was running all out for third and the OBS happened just as F4 was catching the ball and the defense was already setting up for the appeal -- then allow the appeal.  IF R2 was returning to second when he was OBS and the ball was still high in the air, then enforce the OBS.

What if R2 was obstructed on his way to third (going all out), then is doubled off at second while running hard back toward second base. Is that just a judgement call whether the umpire believes the runner would have made it back without the obstruction, or is the runner not given the call because he was obstructed while going all out for third base?

[noumpere]

Generally, the umpire needs to negate the OBS (there are some nuances here that probably don't apply).  So, absent the OBS -- would the runner have returned successfully?  That's the primary question.

[beerguy55]

On 6/14/2024 at 1:10 PM, Zachary said:

What if R2 was obstructed on his way to third (going all out), then is doubled off at second while running hard back toward second base. Is that just a judgement call whether the umpire believes the runner would have made it back without the obstruction, or is the runner not given the call because he was obstructed while going all out for third base?

 In fact, here, you could argue that the OBS likely helped the runner - that is, without OBS he's likely further away from second base when he realizes he needs to return.   There's further judgment if the runner fell to the ground with the collision, and so on and so on.