Make the call

[jomatiky]

Runner on 2nd trying to score on a single to right. RF make a great throw to the catcher who is inside to baseline and makes the catch. Runner slides and catcher dives to make the tag and while applying the tag the ball comes free. The ball rolls about 2 feet away in foul territory and as the catcher reaches for the ball the runner DOESN'T try to get up and score but the catcher is in the baseline and tags her out. Coach wanted obstruction called on the catcher for blocking the plate without the ball. Runner was about 2 feet from home at the time of the tag.

[iamdabobo]

Originally Posted by jomatiky

Runner on 2nd trying to score on a single to right. RF make a great throw to the catcher who is inside to baseline and makes the catch. Runner slides and catcher dives to make the tag and while applying the tag the ball comes free. The ball rolls about 2 feet away in foul territory and as the catcher lunges for the ball the runner DOESN'T try to get up and score but the catcher is in the baseline and tags her out. Coach wanted obstruction called on the catcher for blocking the plate without the ball. Runner was about 2 feet from home at the time of the tag.

Then what is the catcher obstructing? Obstruction is done to a runner trying to go somewhere, not to the baseline itself if a runner happens to be there. Also, the catcher has room to pick up the ball within the safety of possession if he drops it, though with a lunge at 2 feet, I'd say that's a pretty close judgment call either way.

[jomatiky]

Originally Posted by iamdabobo

Then what is the catcher obstructing? Obstruction is done to a runner trying to go somewhere, not to the baseline itself if a runner happens to be there. Also, the catcher has room to pick up the ball within the safety of possession if he drops it, though with a lunge at 2 feet, I'd say that's a pretty close judgment call either way.

Should have said reaches instead of lunges. my bad
Made the change on the original post