What happens if an obstruction causes a runner to miss a base?

What happens if an obstruction causes a runner to miss a base?

• A. The runner is ruled out on appeal
• B. The runner may continue to advance
• C. The runner must return to the missed base
• D. There is no infraction

Answer: (B)

When a runner is obstructed while advancing on the bases, NCAA baseball rules state that the runner is entitled to advance without penalty. This means that the obstruction leads to the runner being able to continue their advancement to the next base, rather than being penalized for missing a base due to the obstruction. In situations of obstruction, the runner is not considered responsible for missing a base, as the obstruction itself interferes with their natural running path and could cause confusion regarding familiar base-running rules. Therefore, if a runner misses a base due to obstruction, they are allowed to proceed to the next base, helped by the spirit of the rules which aims to protect the runner from unfair outcomes owing to interference from defensive players. The runner is not ruled out on appeal in this context because the underlying cause was the obstruction, and the runner is not at fault for missing the base. Additionally, while the runner may need to touch the missed base as part of baseball fundamentals, the obstruction allows for a continuation of advancement. Thus this option highlights the protective nature of the game regarding runners facing interference.

When a runner is obstructed while advancing on the bases, NCAA baseball rules state that the runner is entitled to advance without penalty. This means that the obstruction leads to the runner being able to continue their advancement to the next base, rather than being penalized for missing a base due to the obstruction.

In situations of obstruction, the runner is not considered responsible for missing a base, as the obstruction itself interferes with their natural running path and could cause confusion regarding familiar base-running rules. Therefore, if a runner misses a base due to obstruction, they are allowed to proceed to the next base, helped by the spirit of the rules which aims to protect the runner from unfair outcomes owing to interference from defensive players.

The runner is not ruled out on appeal in this context because the underlying cause was the obstruction, and the runner is not at fault for missing the base. Additionally, while the runner may need to touch the missed base as part of baseball fundamentals, the obstruction allows for a continuation of advancement. Thus this option highlights the protective nature of the game regarding runners facing interference.