Catcher contact with Batter-runner

Question
Batter hit flyball to outfield for the first out of the inning. While leaving the plate area towards first base the batter comes in contact with catcher and trips. What should the call be?

Answer
Hi Jody,

If the catcher caused the b-r to be obstructed, then we would have a signal by the PU of obstruction.  However this is an exception to the rule that a runner cannot be put out between the bases they were obstructed.  When the ball is caught the obstruction is canceled and the b-r is out.

This particular question was a topic of hot debate a few years ago.  Kevin R. ASA supervisor of umpires settled it with the above answer.

Mark