Obstruction vs. interference
Obstruction is the defense getting in the runner's way, and interference is the offense getting in the fielder's way. The penalties go in opposite directions, so it matters which one the umpire sees.
Obstruction and interference get yelled at every youth game, usually by the wrong side. I understand why people mix them up. But they cover opposite situations.
Obstruction is on the defense. A fielder without the ball, who isn’t in the act of fielding it, gets in the runner’s way. Think of the first baseman on the bag waiting for a throw that hasn’t arrived. Or the shortstop parked in the baseline on a steal. The runner gets the base the umpire judges he would have reached. If a play is being made on that runner, it’s a dead ball, and he’s awarded at least one base.
Interference is on the offense. A runner or batter gets in the way of a fielder who is fielding a batted ball or making a play. The runner is out. Other runners go back. If the batter-runner interferes willfully and deliberately to break up a double play, the runner closest to home is out too.
“Stay out of the baseline” isn’t the rule, no matter how often your players hear it. The fielder fielding a batted ball has the right of way everywhere — but a fielder waiting for a throw does not. So how do you tell them apart?
It comes down to whether the fielder has the ball or is in the act of fielding it.
At 10u, that first baseman on the bag is the most common obstruction you’ll see (and it rarely gets called). Have we taught our first basemen to give the runner the inside of the bag until the ball is on its way?
Which rulebook? Official Baseball Rules 6.01(h) for obstruction, 6.01(a) for interference. Little League and NFHS match, with NFHS adding stricter malicious-contact language.
Runner on first, base hit to center. The center fielder’s throw to third goes over everything and into the dugout. The runner had already rounded second when the throw was released. Where does he go?
Still have a question? Ask Coach Fungo.
“If you don't have the ball and you aren't fielding it, get out of the runner's way.”
What is a balk, actually?
The rulebook lists a dozen different balks, and the penalty for every one of them is the same: Every runner moves up one base. Under the pro rules, though, the balk is waved off if the offense does better on the play.
“At the youngest ages, I wouldn't lose my mind over balks.”
Is a bobble an error if the runner would’ve been safe?
If the runner would have been safe even on a clean play, it's a hit. It often looks like an error, but the fielder was usually rushing because he had little or no chance anyway.
“Look at first base before you write down an E.”
The rules quiz
Ten questions, two minutes. Would you have gotten the call right?
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