In baseball, an obstruction occurs when a fielder interferes with a runner's progress around the bases. The Major League Baseball official rules describe cases in which the umpire should call an obstruction, as well as the corresponding penalties. Learn these rules to avoid committing a violation as a fielder.
Definition of an Obstruction
A fielder can only commit an obstruction when he does not possess the ball and is not in the act of fielding the ball. The umpire must determine whether a fielder is or is not in the act of fielding a ball. If a fielder is waiting in position to catch a ball thrown to him, for example, the umpire will probably decide that he is legitimately in the act of fielding the ball. If the fielder dives to catch a ground ball, misses it and then remains on the ground in the path of the runner, the umpire will probably decide that he is no longer in the act of fielding the ball. In this case, the umpire can call an obstruction. Obstruction usually refers to this type of flagrant violation.
Calling an Obstruction
The umpire indicates an obstruction by using the "Time" signal with both hands over his head. If an obstruction prevents a runner from reaching first base, or if an obstruction occurs on a runner that fielders are attempting to throw out, the umpire must call the obstruction immediately. If the obstruction occurs on a runner beyond first base whom no fielders are attempting to throw out, the umpire should allow the play to proceed and call an obstruction at the end of the play.
Penalties
The umpire will allow obstructed runners to advance freely to the base they would have been able to reach if no obstruction had occurred. If, by advancing to the next base, the obstructed runner forces another runner to vacate a base, the umpire will allow that runner to advance as well. The umpire will always allow an obstructed runner to advance at least one base beyond the last base he had occupied before the obstruction, and sometimes more than one base.
Little League Rules
Obstruction rules differ slightly in Little League Baseball. In Little League, fielders who do not yet possess the ball, though they may be waiting for a throw from a teammate, cannot obstruct the progress of the runner. For example, a catcher waiting for a throw cannot block a runner's path from third base to home plate. If he does block the runner's path before he possesses the ball, the umpire can call him for obstruction.
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