BATTER-RUNNER OBSTRUCTED BEFORE REACHING FIRST BASE

Rule 6.01(h)(1):

When the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base, it is not always the case that the batter-runner will be awarded first base on this type of obstruction. For example, if the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a fly ball or line drive that is caught, the batter-runner is out. The reasoning here is that the obstruction had no bearing on the fact that the batter hit a fly ball that was caught by the defense. Similarly, should the batter-runner be obstructed before reaching first base on a foul ball not caught, the foul ball prevails. Again, the reasoning is that the obstruction had nothing to do with the fact that the batter hit a foul ball.

Situations where the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base can generally be divided into three cases. Again note that in this type of obstruction, it is not always the case that “Time” is called immediately and the batter-runner awarded first base.
Case 1: Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a ground ball to an infielder. It appears that the infielder will have an easy play on the ball.
Ruling: This is obstruction under Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h)(1). “Time” is
called immediately and batter-runner is awarded first base.
Case 2: Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a pop-up or line drive to an infielder.
Ruling: Call the obstruction by pointing at the obstruction and calling, “That’s obstruction.” However, leave the ball in play. If the pop-up or line drive is caught, batter-runner is out. However, if the pop-up or line drive is dropped (and is a fair ball) and if the batter-runner has not yet reached first base when the ball is dropped, “Time” is called and the batter-runner is awarded first base under Official Baseball Rule 6.01(h)(1). Other runners would be awarded bases they would have reached had no obstruction occurred. (In this case, the play reverts back to Case 1 above.) On the other hand, if the batter-runner has clearly reached (or rounded) first base when the fly ball is dropped, play is allowed to continue until no further action is possible with the umpire then making awards—if any— that will nullify the obstruction.
    Case 3: Batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base on a ball hit to the outfield.
Ruling: Call the obstruction by pointing at the obstruction and calling, “That’s obstruction”; however, leave the ball in play until all action has ceased. Then call “Time” and impose such penalties, if any, that will nullify the act of obstruction. If a fly ball is caught in this situation, batter-runner is out. If the batted ball was a fair ball not caught, the batter-runner will always be “protected” at least to first base.