(1) The ball is alive and remains alive throughout the play on R1 at first base. Obstruction requires impeded progress; the runner's progress was not impeded as he made no attempt to return to first base (OBR 2.00 OBSTRUCTION).
(2) The ball is alive and remains alive throughout the play on R1 at first base; R1 may be awarded first base. Known as "Type B" Obstruction, this play requires the decoying act to physically impede the runner's ability to attempt a retag of his base. This physical impediment must be ruled to have occurred while the ball was in the air or before the catcher made a play on R1 and such imposition must nullify the obstruction (OBR 7.06(b)).
(3) The ball is dead and R1 is awarded second base. Known as "Type A" Obstruction, this play requires the decoying act to physically impede the runner's ability to attempt a retag of his base. This physical impediment must be ruled to have occurred after the catch, while a play was being made on R1. R1 must touch first base before advancing to second base. (OBR 7.06(a)).
Points Distribution
+3: RichMSN
+2: cyclone14, kickersrule, TXWrangler, Three-Ballin'
+1: clement30, nwsquid, Turducken
Thank you for participating in this Case Play and congratulations to all participants, who responded with at least partial correctness. Stay tuned for further Case Plays. The original Case Play post has been reproduced below.
Pursuant to UEFL Rule 4.f., this Case Play is open for 48 hours from the time of this post (5/6/12 at 8:00PM). During this time, all Case Play responses will remain in moderation (screened or invisible) until the 48 hour submission period is closed. To receive full point(s) credit, you must answer the following scenario correctly, including any relevant MLB Rule(s) and all relevant results of the play after applying said rule(s).Video: Angels shortstop Erick Aybar decoys Blue Jays runner Rajai Davis, leading to a double play
Scenario: With zero out and one on (R1), the offense attempts a "hit and run," wherein R1 runs with the pitch as B1 swings. B1 connects and pops out to F1 as R1 slides into second base. F6 runs in front of the second base bag and fakes R1 into thinking there might be a play at second base. Seeing R1 has not tagged up, F1 then throws to F4, covering first base, for an apparent double play ... or is it? Did the umpires get this call right? How should play proceed? There may be multiple contingencies for this Case Play; if correctly identified, you may receive up to one point per. As has been past practice, rules citation is highly recommended and may save you point(s) if your ruling isn't word-for-word.
Consult the UEFL Rules Book for further information regarding Rule 4-5 and Case Plays.
