2006-09-26 10:44:36 · 8 answers · asked by peter t 1 in Sports ➔ Baseball
It is a rule intended to protect the players not wearing protective gear.
At one time, it was common for runners to "take out" those protecting the bases. Injuries were high because the players at the bases were distracted with trying to catch balls thrown to them. As a result, rules were made to prevent players from blocking bases and to prevent runners from intentionally running into other players.
However, since the catcher is wearing protective gear, both are still allowed at home plate just to keep the game interesting.
2006-09-26 11:07:00 · answer #1 · answered by Dwight S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see nothing in the rules that says a fielder cannot block a base, just so long as he is in the act of fielding the ball. Obviously, the player is risking injury by doing so, there for it is not seen often except by catchers who are wearing protective gear. I got this definition from MLB.com.
OBSTRUCTION is 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.
Rule 2.00 (Obstruction) Comment: If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be considered “in the act of fielding a ball.” It is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the “act of fielding” the ball. For example: If an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner.
So, basically, any fielder can block the base or plate if they are in the act of fielding a thrown ball. But, not even the catcher is allowed to block the plate without the ball being "in flight" and thrown to the plate.
2006-09-26 19:04:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A player can block a base if he has the ball. If not, it is obstruction, even if he is blocking home plate.
2006-09-27 09:07:39 · answer #3 · answered by Tony M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only reason they block home plate instead of the bases is bcuz when they get to home plate its 1 point so the catcher blocks it so they dont get a point.
2006-09-26 18:45:11 · answer #4 · answered by wahoo 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A player can block the base if he has possession of the ball, but that includes the catcher. He can't block home if he doesn't have possession. So basically, you can block a base if you have possession of the ball.
2006-09-26 18:02:39 · answer #5 · answered by David H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because at home plate catcher has the equipment that he can take a big hit.
2006-09-26 20:32:22 · answer #6 · answered by Andrew B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the catcher has gear on, and home plate is where the runner will score.
2006-09-26 18:09:58 · answer #7 · answered by EJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question
2006-09-26 18:40:13 · answer #8 · answered by Giants Fan! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋