gablue wrote:The strike zone is the only thing that is not by the book. Everything else is. ASA didn't change the rule to prevent injuries. The changed it to make it easier to call. The previous rule had the phrase "about to receive". And I've read the rule book. Every year for 6 years now. I've been to a clinic 5 of the 6 years I've been doing this. I never said there was no repercussions for setting up in front of the plate without the ball. However, by your definition then you have to call obstruction when the runner rounds third and is 40 - 50 feet from the base and the catcher is blocking the base without the ball. That's not what ASA wants, but by your black letter interpretation that's what you are saying. The rule says the runner has to be impeded or hindered. If I don't see any impedance or hinderance then there is no obstruction. It is not simply blocking the base without the ball. There has to be impedence.
Spazsdad wrote:So do we teach our runners to slow down our change their path going into home so the umpire sees an impedance?
wadeintothem wrote:There is nothing in these pics conclusive about OBS, and certainly not text book. That runner does not look impeded... at least until that catcher catches the ball.
In this thread we have Sam's very own take on the rules, # 1,123 through 1,141.. none of which have any bearing on the rule book or reality. It would be difficult to catch up and quote all your rule misconceptions and inventions in this thread.
Sam you cant cherry pick one single sentence of all the definitions, case plays, instructions, umpire exam questions, POEs, and rules and wave it as your banner. You cant snivel about the way ASA/ASA National Staff is teaching it to umpires and teaching them to enforce it and claim its wrong, because it is ASA's freakin rule. What the heck do you know? Nothing. This is the organization and they set the rules and teach us how they want it enforced. Just because you know exactly one single cherry picked sentence means nothing in terms of the entire organizational teaching of this rule; you have zero concept of the OBS rule as a whole.
There could have been obstruction, but not necessarily, and I would think no on the face of it. That runner is not looking impeded by a defender without the ball.. THAT is the primary test. THAT is the definition, THAT is the rule - NOT catcher positioning. Catcher positioning can be a factor towards impeding a runner, but positioning is not automatic OBS. The runner MUST be impeded...thats when catcher positioning and your little banner sentence comes into play.
Youre the type of coach that I have to explain 10,000 times to that the shortstop can set up where she wants... shes not obstructing your runner who in on 2nd base picking her nose. Positioning means zilch without running impedence.
Sam wrote:
Just can't help being an ass, can you Wade....where did I say F2's position was automatic OBS...read the posts...
try to understand what I am saying...If ASA were to teach umpires to call catchers for their illegal set ups on plays at the plate (which I would argue is actual impedance),
we would have less collisions and less injuries...but you wouldn't give a crap about that...I'm betting you never had to take a player to the hospital after a collision.
People that think outside of your little box may actually be trying to improve the game. Maybe some high level umpire will read this thread and decide that it may be a good idea to change the interpretation and teaching of the rule to umpires.
Sam wrote:I said the F2 in the OP's picture was textbook OBS....and nobody gives a crap about your bumps and bruises.
My view of the rule is nuanced in favor of the intent of the rule and the players' safety. You guys could obviously give a crap about the safety of the players...so be it. You don't want to have to think in order to make a call...OK....I get it....you think and your head starts hurting.
I care enough about the rule to talk about it here...not enough to go to OKC...but maybe some umpire out there might see my point and bring it up at OKC. Thats how this stuff works.
I understand how you are going to call it and teach my kids accordingly.