If a first baseman blocks the bag on a pick off throw by anchoring his foot to the back corner of the bag and almost setting his knee on the ground is this legal? thanks in advance.
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It can be obstruction - but is seldom called. It is also seldom done at higher levels because players have been known to return feet first....
Obstruction can be called on this.
Under Federation Rules if obstruction is called the runner is awarded 2nd base, under OBR the runner would be award 1st.
Under Federation Rules if obstruction is called the runner is awarded 2nd base, under OBR the runner would be award 1st.
Pirate Fan:
If you call this under OBR it is going to be Type "A" so he is getting second. A play is being made on him so it can't be Type"B."
If you call this under OBR it is going to be Type "A" so he is getting second. A play is being made on him so it can't be Type"B."
Explain why you think it is obstruction to block first base and not to block home. there is no difference in the rule book. Only if he has the ball or is receiving the ball.
MST - If the runer on 1st is trying to get back to 1st on a pick-off move, you would only protect him to the base he was attempting, which was 1st base.
I will answer two post in one. There is no difference in blocking home from any other base. It is obstruction if you block ANY base without the ball unless you are in the act of fielding the ball.
PF:
In OBR there are two types of obstruction, A&B. I'm sure you know this but it will help explain what I mean. Type A is an obstruction where there is a play being made on the runner or obstruction on BR before first. Type B is anything that is away from the play or before the ball has been fielded.
In the play at first F1 is obviously trying to put R1 out. So if he is obstructed then he gets the next base past his legally obtained base. That would be second.
PF:
In OBR there are two types of obstruction, A&B. I'm sure you know this but it will help explain what I mean. Type A is an obstruction where there is a play being made on the runner or obstruction on BR before first. Type B is anything that is away from the play or before the ball has been fielded.
In the play at first F1 is obviously trying to put R1 out. So if he is obstructed then he gets the next base past his legally obtained base. That would be second.
What I do if they are blocking the bag, is go in feet first and get my heel on their foot or ankle, and my toe/rest of foot on the bag. Very effective in making sure the bag remains open for the duration of the game. A little bit dangerous with spikes, but in my summer league we have to use plastic which sucks, part of the reason I tore my acl, but I guess because no one can get spiked by things like what I do. Another thing that my coach taught me, is that if they are blocking the bag, when you dive in, use your forearm and just give a nice hard jab into the side of their leg. If they don't fall and miss the ball, they will be hurting, and will not be in the way anymore, just make sure it is not blatant that you are trying to hit him, just make it look like your going straight for the bag. Sometimes the game of baseball can get dirty.