Can a runner block a throw in baseball?

Can a runner block a throw in baseball?

A base runner hit by a thrown ball is guilty of interference only if the runner intentionally touches the ball, or otherwise alters or deflects the course of the thrown ball.

Can a runner interfere with a fielder?

Nor must physical contact occur for interference to be called; a runner may interfere with a fielder simply by hindering the fielder’s ability to attempt to make a play on a batted ball.

What is fielder obstruction?

Definition. 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 baserunner’s progress.

Is there an obstruction rule in baseball?

Definition. Official Baseball Rule 2.00 defines obstruction 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. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the “act of fielding” the ball …

Can a fielder block the base path?

Basically, the rule states that if a fielder is in the act of making a play at a base and he is in possession of the ball or awaiting a thrown ball, he may block the base.

Does a base runner have to avoid a fielder?

The rule provides that a runner must vacate any space needed by a fielder to make a play on a batted ball, unless the runner has contact with a legally occupied base when the interference occurs. In this case, the runner should not be called out unless the hindrance is intentional.

How many bases does a runner get for obstruction?

one base
The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base last legally touched by such runner, before the obstruction.

Can a fielder stand in the baseline?

– Fielders without the ball often stand on a base or in the base path. Doing so does not make them guilty of obstruction. They’re not obstructing unless a runner’s advance or path is altered.

What happens if the batter hits the catcher with his backswing?

If this infraction should occur in a situation where the batter would normally become a runner because of a third strike not caught, the ball shall be dead and the batter declared out regardless of the location of the baseball at the time the backswing hits the catcher.

What is awarded if a fielder causes an obstruction?

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. This is an immediate dead ball and bases are awarded as appropriate.

Can a fielder stand on the base?

– Fielders without the ball often stand on a base or in the base path. Doing so does not make them guilty of obstruction. They’re not obstructing unless a runner’s advance or path is altered. – And remember, a fielder with the ball may stand anywhere to make a play and thus would not be guilty of obstruction.