What is the ruling on a fake tag performed by a defensive player?

In the context of baseball rules, a fake tag by a defensive player is treated as a serious infraction because it is a deceptive act designed to mislead the runner. The act of faking a tag is considered a form of obstruction, which occurs when a defensive player impedes a base runner's progress or right to the base.

When a defensive player performs a fake tag, they create a false perception that a tag attempt is imminent, which can lead to confusion and disrupt the play. This is against the spirit of the game as it undermines fair competition. The appropriate ruling in such a case is to call obstruction, which typically results in penalties that allow the runner to advance to the next base safely. The umpire's objective in this situation is not only to enforce the rules but also to protect the integrity of the game and ensure player safety.

This ruling is important as it emphasizes the role of the umpire in managing the game effectively and discouraging deceptive practices on the field. The consequences usually include the awarding of bases to the runner affected by the obstruction, in regard to their situation at the time of the incident.