fielder interferance

Question
team had a runner on first 1 out, ground ball hit to second basemen who then threw the ball to the back side(centerfield) of second base where the SS had to stretch for the ball with right foot on the inside edge of the base.  The runner stepped on the SS foot after the catch was made and hurt their ankle.  The other coach claimed the runner should be safe cause the SS right foot was in the baseline. the ump said no it is an out

Was this the right call

Answer
Hi Braun,

Thank you for your fielder OBSTRUCTION question.  Obstruction occurs when a fielder not in possession of the ball obstructs the progress of a runner.  Obstruction is a judgment call on the part of the umpire.  A runner who slows down, alters their base path, stutter steps, and the like could be examples of the reaction of an obstructed runner.

My least favorite answer to give is one in which I say I htbt (had to be there), because with that (in this case, at least) I have to give two different answers and leave you with the job of choosing the correct answer, which you should be able to do since you saw the play.

When you refer to 2B's inside edge I have to think that you mean the edge facing 1B.  That is the edge that the offensive coach would complain about being blocked by the shortstop's foot.

Was this the right call?
1) The umpire was right if the shortstop caught the throw, while their foot was touching the base, before the arrival of the runner, AND the progress of the runner wasn't obstructed BEFORE the arrival of the ball.  This is a simple force out.

2) The offensive coach was right even if the shortstop caught the throw, while their foot was touching the base, before the arrival of the runner, IF the progress of the runner was obstructed BEFORE the arrival of the ball.

Scott Kelly