Quote:
Originally posted by mcrowder
A dead-ball appeal in this case cannot be made until the batter-runner leaves the field of play.
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Speaking ASA.
This is a simplistic benchmark that we all use, but technically, an umpire needs not what for this to accept an appeal.
The umpire cannot accept a dead-ball appeal until all runners have been given a reasonable amount of time to complete their running responsibilities.
The statement above assumes the runner touches the plate and then heads directly for the dugout area. What if a runner doesn't immediately enter dead-ball territory? What if s/he heads towards a basecoach to receive instructions on preparing for their defensive half of the inning? What if for some reason s/he heads for a gate beyond the dugout area to leave the field? Or does any number of things which would indicate to an umpire that s/he is finished their running responsibilities?
The umpire may accept and rule on a dead-ball appeal anytime s/he is satisfied the runner is done.