What is the obstruction rule in baseball?

Definition. Official Baseball Rule 2.00 defines obstruction as: The act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.

What is malicious contact in baseball?

The NFHS code includes a definition of malicious contact — “an act that involves excessive force with an opponent.” The penalty is ejection for the offender. A sign that excessive force might be involved is when the fielder holding the ball ends up on the ground.

What is the penalty for obstruction in baseball?

Summary Table

	Type 1 Obstruction
Occurs when	Play is being made on obstructed runner
Action	Immediate dead ball
Penalty	At least one base beyond the last base touched

What is the difference between interference and obstruction?

One key distinction between interference and obstruction: Interference is defined as a violation of either the offense or the defense; obstruction can only be committed by the defense.

Are you allowed to block the plate in MLB?

A runner may not run out of a direct line to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher, or any player, covering the plate. Runners are not required to slide, and catchers in possession of the ball are allowed to block the plate.

Is it legal to fake a tag in baseball?

A deke or fake on its own, however, is entirely legal in MLB. For more on obstruction, see “Rule 7.06 [now known as Rule 6.01(h)]: Obstruction, What a Pickle!” NFHS: The biggest difference at the high school level is that in addition to the above obstructions, a fake tag is considered obstruction (Rule 2-22-2).

What happens if a base coach touches a runner?

If the base coach base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists the runner in returning to, or leaving the base, the runner is out and the ball is dead.

Do high school baseball coaches have to wear uniforms?

To begin with, both players and coaches must wear matching uniforms. Coaches on the bases during a game are required to wear the game jerseys as the players do. They may wear a team jacket, but only if all base coaches wear the same jackets.

Can you fake tag in baseball?

2-22-2 A fake tag is an act by a defensive player without the ball that simulates a tag. A fake tag is considered obstruction. 2-22-3 The fielder without possession of the ball denies access to the base the runner is attempting to achieve.

Can you block the plate in high school baseball?

Unless the catcher/fielder has ball in glove he cannot block the plate even he is about to receive the throw. This does not preclude the catcher, however, from moving away from the catcher’s area to receive a throw up the line.

Is it legal to hit the catcher?

Runners are not required to slide, and catchers in possession of the ball are allowed to block the plate. However, runners who do slide and catchers who provide the runner with a lane will never be found in violation of the rule.