Obstruction
Definition of Obstruction
Obstruction occurs when a fielder, without possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding it, impedes the progress of a runner.
Depending on the ruleset, the penalty for obstruction is handled differently. In OBR, there are two types of obstruction: Type A (a.k.a. Type 1) and Type B (a.k.a. Type 2). Type A obstruction is an immediate dead ball with a one base award (or more if deemed appropriate by the umpire), while Type B obstruction is a delayed dead ball with the number of bases awarded being in the umpire's judgment (sometimes no bases are awarded). In NFHS and USSSA, all obstruction is treated as delayed dead ball situations.
Penalties and Awards
Type A (if applicable in the ruleset) obstruction occurs when a play is being made on the obstructed runner. For example, there is a run-down between second and third base and a fielder without the ball hinders the runner's progress. This is an immediate dead ball and the runner is awarded at least one base (in this case, third base).
Type B (if applicable in the ruleset) obstruction occurs when no play is being made on the obstructed runner. For example, the batter hits a ball into the outfield (a clear double) and while rounding first base, the runner is impeded by the first baseman. This is a delayed dead ball and the runner is awarded second base because the hit was a clear double.
Type B obstruction has a few caveats. As mentioned, there is not always an award. If the umpire judges the obstruction did not impact the runner's ability to advance, then there is no award. In other words, if the runner attempts to advance past the base the umpire believes they would have reach, the runner is no longer protected and is liable to be put out. For example, the batter hits a ball into the shallow outfield (clearly a signle). The runner rounds first and bumps shoulders with the first baseman who is in the runner's way. The runner attempts to go to second and is thrown out by a mile. Because the runner never would have acheived second base on this play, even if not obstructed, there is no award and the runner is simply out.
In NFHS (baseball and softball) and USSSA softball, all obstruction is treated as delayed dead ball situations (similar to OBR Type B). The umpire must use his/her judgment to determine the appropriate base awards (if any) based on the obstruction. The same principles described above for OBR Type B obstruction apply here as well.
Examples
- A first baseman blocks the base path without the ball, causing the runner to slow down.
- A catcher blocks home plate without the ball, impeding the runner's progress to score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is obstruction always an immediate dead ball?▼
No. In OBR, many obstruction calls are delayed-dead-ball situations. In NFHS (baseball and softball) and USSSA softball, all obstruction is a delayed-dead-ball.
Does the runner automatically get the next base?▼
Not always. For Type A obstruction, yes. For Type B obstruction (or all obstruction in NFHS and USSSA softball), awards depend on the umpire's judgment. Some awards will result in additional bases, while other may result in no award at all.