Obstruction (OB)

Obstruction is called when a fielder interferes with a base runner when not in the act of fielding or possessing the ball. There are two categories of Obstruction:

Obstruction 1

The obstructed runner is being “acted” or played upon by the fielder.

In this case the ball is dead and the runner(s) are awarded the base that the umpire feels the runner would have reached if the obstruction never occurred.

Obstruction 2

The obstructed runner is “away” or not being played upon by the fielder.

In this case play continues and the umpire keeps a mental picture of what base the obstructed runner(s) would have reached. When the play is over the runner(s) is awarded the base(s) solely on the discretion of the umpire.

If the runner is “out” during the play the out is reversed and the player is awarded the bases based on the rule above.

Obstruction is scored with the letter “OB” followed by the fielder obstructing.

There is one thing to consider in this play and that is the fielder has the “right of way” when he is fielding or has possession of the baseball.

The “determination” by the umpire is the final word whether it’s obstruction or interference. I’ve seen some very heated arguments regarding this scenario.