Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/21/2008

Question
Brian,
In a Babe Ruth League game the other night a runner was attempting to steal second, the second baseman was covering the base and waiting for the throw, but he was kneeling on his left knee and his whole lower leg was blocking the base (between the base and the runner).  Well the runner slid in plenty of time to be safe, but he never made it to the base because the fielder's leg was between his foot and the base.  The fielder then caught the ball and tagged the runner, and he was ruled out buy the umps.  Some say "thats baseball" and the fielder made a good play.  I would think this is some sort of obstruction or interference by the fielder while he is waiting on the throw.  Was the correct call made by the umpire?  What is the rule here?

Thanks,
Drew

Answer
Drew,

It is always an obstruction play if a fielder is in the baseline without the ball and a runner is there.  It doesn't matter if the fielder is waiting for the ball - he is still interfering.  And that goes for the catcher at home plate.  Which is one of the least enforced rules in modern baseball, but it seems like catchers don't break the rules as much as they did in the '80s and '90s.

In this case, the runner should have been awarded the base.

Hope this helps!

Brian