What is "obstruction"?

Obstruction is called when the defense hinders the runners ability to run the bases. However there are exceptions to this rule. The fielder does have the right to hinder the runner IF, and this is a HUGE "if", the fielder is "in the act of fielding."

So what is "the act of fielding."? The rule book says "If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in-flight, directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be considered 'in the act of fielding a ball."

The key words here are "near enough." That is a judgment to be made by the umpire. And we all know that you can't argue a judgment call!

Once the ball gets away from the fielder, out of his immediate reach, he is no longer "in the act of fielding" and must disappear.

Here are two basic principles:

* It can NEVER be obstruction if the fielder has possession of the ball.

* It IS obstruction if the fielder hinders the runner (contact or not) and the ball is not in-flight toward the fielder.