Obstuction

Question
Umpire calls obstuction on the ss and the runner is thrown out at home. Ump rules the runner was protected to 3rd. Is the the runner out for trying to score or sent back to 3rd? I thought you advance at your own risk.

Answer
Hi Dennis,

"I thought you advance at your own risk."....sometimes.... see below

By rule an obstructed runner cannot be put out between the bases they were obstructed except when they safely attain the base they would have made and there is a subsequent play on another runner, the obstructed runner is no longer protected or if they commit an act of interference.  

OR if the runner had been obstructed between 2nd and 3rd and the umpire felt that w/out the obstruction the runner would not have made home, we only protect them to 3rd and they would be liable to be put out if they attempt to advance further.  If the umpire felt that the runner would have made home w/out the obstruction we would protect them to that.

In most cases when play has ceased, we have a dead ball and award the runner they would have made in our opinion had they not been obstructed.  In this case if the runner was obstructed between 3rd and home it seems the umpire felt that the runner would not have made home so therefore they are put back at 3rd base.

Mark