Obstruction questions

[Coach B]

A). Are all "defensive interference" plays called "obstruction"..??  Whereas most offensive interference plays are called "interference"...??  (I suppose except "catcher's interference" or "umpire's interference")

B). Are all obstruction penalties by the defense a delayed call by the umpire?  Or are any obstruction calls an immediate dead ball..??

C). Scenario:  runner on 1st, base hit into the outfield:  the baserunner as he's rounding second is obstructed by the shortstop covering the second base bag with no incoming throw.  This is a delayed call/runner is awarded third base.  It's delayed because the baserunner may choose to round third base, and if so, the delayed call is erased, and he is then a live runner..... is all this correct..??

[BLWizzRanger]

8 hours ago, Coach B said:

A). Are all "defensive interference" plays called "obstruction"..??  Whereas most offensive interference plays are called "interference"...??  (I suppose except "catcher's interference" or "umpire's interference")

B). Are all obstruction penalties by the defense a delayed call by the umpire?  Or are any obstruction calls an immediate dead ball..??

C). Scenario:  runner on 1st, base hit into the outfield:  the baserunner as he's rounding second is obstructed by the shortstop covering the second base bag with no incoming throw.  This is a delayed call/runner is awarded third base.  It's delayed because the baserunner may choose to round third base, and if so, the delayed call is erased, and he is then a live runner..... is all this correct..??

Its delayed due to no play being directly made on the obstructed runner.  This allows the defense to make plays on other runners and possibly record outs on them. It allows the obstructed runner to go past the base they would have been awarded.  He is always a live runner and can commit interference and malicious contact during the play.

[noumpere]

18 hours ago, Coach B said:

A). Are all "defensive interference" plays called "obstruction"..??  Whereas most offensive interference plays are called "interference"...??  (I suppose except "catcher's interference" or "umpire's interference")

Yes. (even if there's an exception, this is a good way to think about it)

 

18 hours ago, Coach B said:

B). Are all obstruction penalties by the defense a delayed call by the umpire?  Or are any obstruction calls an immediate dead ball..??

Depends on the rules code.  Always delayed in FED; sometimes delayed in OBR and NCAA

 

18 hours ago, Coach B said:

C). Scenario:  runner on 1st, base hit into the outfield:  the baserunner as he's rounding second is obstructed by the shortstop covering the second base bag with no incoming throw.  This is a delayed call/runner is awarded third base.  It's delayed because the baserunner may choose to round third base, and if so, the delayed call is erased, and he is then a live runner..... is all this correct..??

In general this is correct, but the specifics depend on the rules code.

For example, in FED, there's a minimum one base award form the location of the OBS.  So, if the OBS was actually before second, (e.g., if F6 was standing on second and R1 had to slow down to approach) then the minimum award is second. In OBR, there's only a minimum award if the runner is being played on (and he's not in this scenario.

And, the umpire should think of OBS as a *distance* (e.g., one or two strides) and must consider post-OBS play to determine the ruling.  For example if F9 bobbles the ball and R1 now tries for home -- if he's out by only a stride or two, the umpire can award home; if he's out by "a lot" then the out stands.