Today, we will cover obstruction and interference and the difference between them. The rule is in place to prevent a pitcher from deceiving the baserunners. Players must adhere to these rules or else face onfield penalties imposed by the umpires and, occasionally, offfield disciplinary measures. Heres the rulebook definition, found in definitions obstruction.
Like most monikers in baseball nomenclature, obstruction is described in the definition of terms section of the rules book. That is, in little league a fake tag can be considered obstruction, but it is never considered such beyond high. I have my original from 1989 and was used to that original foremat. The mlb obstruction rule that ended game 3 for the win. Runner on third base, one out and a batter hits a fly ball deep to the outfield fair or foul. Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball. All portions of this particular page and the pages of the official major league rules book are sole property of major league baseball and have been reproduced without any alteration by baseball almanac who first obtained the written permission of the office of the commissioner. We want to bring you the most uptodate, informative and exciting baseball information. High school rules nfhs baseball rules book treat obstruction differently from obr. Occurs when a fielder who is not in possession of the ball and is not fielding the ball blocks the progress of a runner. High school rules nfhs baseball rules book treat obstruction differently. For fielders obstructing baserunners, see obstruction baseball. The official rulebook of major league baseball states in rule 10.
The obstruction rule bans unsanctioned collisions on the basepaths by preventing defensive players from blocking the passage of the baserunners. Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. Back in the late 19th century, when baseball was still a relatively young game. In no event shall bases be run because of such interference see rule 6. According to their official rule book, obstruction is when a defensive player affects or prevents a batter from swinging at a pitched ball or hinders the progress of a runner. Baserunners are generally permitted to run from base to base without being physically blocked or hindered by a fielder. Thirdbase umpire jim joyce called obstruction and the rest is history. Obstruction refers to a fielder who hinders a runner. Any obstruction entitles runner to minimum of one base beyond his position when it occurs. In the simplest of terms, interference is a penalty. They are listed here with hold totals as calculated by.
Phantom tags not obstruction in pro ball, obs in hs close. Every page of the official rules are sole property of major league baseball and have been reproduced by baseball almanac without any alteration and by first obtaining the written permission of the office of the commissioner. If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in. Obstruction describes an act by a fielder, who is not in possession of the ball or in the process of fielding it, that impedes the baserunners progress. Case book material in this edition are in shaded boxes and are labeled. Basically, the case book interprets or elaborates on the basic rules and in essence have the same effect as rules when applied to particular sections for which they. As well, there are different rules for obstruction, and they are applied differently at different levels. When obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal obstruction. Mlb mlb umpire manual nfhs ncaa little league israel assoc. Text of mlb obstruction rule cited in world series fox sports. Text of major league baseballs obstruction rules, cited by.
Baseball rules academy the rules of baseball, explained. Important notes 1 the playing rules committee, at its december 2014 meeting, voted to reorganize and recodify the official baseball rules into a more logical and organized manner. Former mlb pitcher ryan dempster and former stolen base champ harold reynolds discuss in studio 42. Baseball 101 interference vs obstruction the terms interference and obstruction sometimes get confused on tv, but for an umpire, these two words carry very different definitions and the rules prescribe opposite penalties. Requires the runners lane to be drawn on the field and all associated rules apply batsgame rule 3. In nfhs, obstruction is always a delayed dead ball never immediate dead ball. According to the official rule book, obstruction is defined as the act of a fielder. The playing rules committee, at its december 1977 meeting, voted to incorporate the notescase book comments section directly into the official baseball rules at the appropriate places.
What does the rule book say about the upper part o. Obstruction baseball jump to navigation jump to search. The act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. Interference today, we will cover obstruction and interference and the difference between them. The terms interference and obstruction are often misunderstood and confused by managers, coaches, and umpires alike.
The official rules are divided into 10 chapters which cover the following matters. The following players who began their major league careers before 1999 would be among the career leaders if mlb had recorded the statistic in games prior to the 1999 season. If a play is being made on the obstructed baserunner, the ball is ruled dead and the umpire can place all runners on the base he determines they would have reached without. In baseball, obstruction is when a fielder illegally hinders a baserunner running within the basepath. Baserunners are generally permitted to run from base to. Visit our frequently asked questions section to find solutions for your issues. Louis ap text of major league baseballs obstruction rules, cited by third base umpire jim joyce in the ninth inning of game 3 in the world series on saturday night. Louis ap text of major league baseballs obstruction rules, cited by third base umpire jim joyce in the ninth inning of game 3 in the world series on. Contact does not have to be made for the umpire to rule obstruction.
Rules changes are identified by a shaded background. This post will deal with the intricacies of the rule for those of you who may find the jargon used in mlbs official rules confusing. In baseball, interference occurs in situations in which a person illegally changes the course of play from what is expected. Text of mlb obstruction rule cited in world series fox. It is the responsibility of the runner to avoid the fielder when the fielder is making a play on the ball. Fielders obstruction hindering the batter while he is running to first base 9. Oct 27, 20 this post will deal with the intricacies of the rule for those of you who may find the jargon used in mlbs official rules confusing. However, the hold totals do not always agree from site to site, or with mlb.
A balk is an illegal act by the pitcher when one or more runners are on base. According to the official rule book, obstruction is defined as the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. Prohibits a twopiece interchangeable barrel construction bat. Let me start with some very basic definitions to avoid confusion as you read the rest of the article. All of us know that you cant play the game, if you dont know the rules. Baseball is an intricate game with plenty of unique characteristics, and major league baseball has many rules, regulations and standards governing its onfield practices. Interference might be committed by players on the offense, players not currently in the game, catchers, umpires, or spectators. Baseball 101 interference vs obstruction close call.
When the obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal obstruction. Interference is a broad rule book term that refers to a number of illegal actions that occur during a contest to change the course of the game. Oct 27, 20 luckily, major league baseballs official rules are online. Its in the definition of obs at the end of the book. Jun 01, 2017 the rules are the rules, but the print is way too small hard to read and could use more notes and comments from mlb. The rulebook is dense and at times incredibly confusing, but chris welsh and ted barrett will walk you through the most complicated scenarios with ease and clarity.
On conclusion of action, kill the ball and award bases to nullify obstruction, but always award a minimum of one base beyond the point of the obstruction. Rules baseball is an intricate game with plenty of unique characteristics, and major league baseball has many rules, regulations and standards governing its onfield practices. Luckily, major league baseballs official rules are online. The amateur softball association of american sets the universal rules for softball in the united states.
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