RE: OBSTRUCTION

Question
Let's say that a team has bases loaded when the batter hits a base hit between second and shortstop. The runners from third  and second have proceede home. The defense is making a play at second.The catcher stands directly next to home plate on the right side the runner coming in try's not to make contact with the catcher as he touches the plate. The catcher makes no attempt to move out of the way and the runner and catcher bump after the runner has touched home plate.There was no play being made to home plate and the umpire calls obstruction on the runner and calls him out; is the proper call obstruction and the runner out?

Answer
Hi Coach,

I think the ump got that wrong.  Obstruction is called on the defense not the offense.  

The ump should have called Interference on the play and yes the runner is out.  IF a runner can avoid a collision at all times, he or she must do so.

Little League rules state that "all runners are required to attempt to avoid collisions; if a runner fails to do so, he is guilty of malicious contact..:

In your case, the runner was lucky the ump did not know the rule.  He should have been ejected the runner from the game.  The rule clearly states that the runner is out AND is ejected from the game.

Sometimes the intent is not to hurt but other times the intent is quite obvious and malicious.  In the case of an umpire, they have strict rules regarding body contact (especially LL) and should not have to interpret if the intent was violent or not.  Some umpires will not resort to an ejection but others will go by the book.

If contact was made and it could have been avoided, the runner is out. That's all - zero tolerance for violent behaviour.  Where the grey area lies is the intent and that's where the umpire can give an ejection.

I had a young player seriously hurt by a runner who collided with her at 3rd base.  The runner could have avoided her but he chose to slam into her as he passed the base.  Baseball is not hockey and we should understand that even the smallest infraction can lead to more bending of the rule.  

I think we both can agree that there is no place for violence in baseball and Obstruction and Interference rules should be enforced.  It may seem unfair or insignificant but not everyone sees the rules as well as others.  IF young players understand that violence will not be tolerated, they will change their behaviour or face the consequences.  

This is one rule that should never be flexible.  Believe me, you don't want to explain to a parent why their daughter broke her collar bone playing baseball.  

Yours in baseball,

JohnMc