What is the ruling when R1 collides with F4 and the umpire mistakenly calls obstruction?

In this scenario, when R1 collides with F4 and the umpire mistakenly calls obstruction, the ruling should reflect the nature of the play and the applicable rules regarding obstruction and interference in baseball.

The correct ruling is to call R1 out; this action reflects the principle that a runner may be declared out if they are involved in a situation of interference with the defensive player working to make a play. In cases where a collision occurs between a runner and a fielder, if the fielder has established their position and the runner unnecessarily creates a collision, it can be ruled as interference, resulting in the runner being called out.

Moreover, R3's status is not affected negatively in this situation. Since R3 did not have the opportunity to advance as a direct result of this play and is not part of the interference call, they would return to third base without penalty. Therefore, the ruling appropriately recognizes R1's activity that led to the interference as the basis for the out call, while leaving R3 unaffected at the base.

This understanding reflects the need to emphasize running fundamentals and the rules governing interactions between runners and fielders in the context of baseball.