If a runner is blocking the path of a fielder making a play, what is the immediate consequence?

When a runner is blocking the path of a fielder making a play, the situation is a clear case of obstruction. In this context, obstruction occurs when a base runner interferes with a fielder's opportunity to make a play on the ball. The rules governing baseball and softball specify that a runner must allow the fielder a clear path when they are attempting to field the ball or make a throw. The act of blocking is disruptive and hinders the fielder's ability to play the game effectively, thus justifying a penalty against the runner.

This penalty serves not only to enforce fair play but also to protect the integrity of the game by ensuring that fielders can perform their duties without undue interference. It is important within the rules of the sport to maintain a balance between offensive and defensive play, and penalizing obstruction reinforces this principle.