[tcblue13]

Originally Posted by Al

Thanks guys!

I just found the following information on a web site...

MISSED TAG OR BASE RULE

The first answer is from the N.A.P.B.L Umpire Manual which is now available in bookstores. The second is from clinics I've attended and articles in "Referee" magazine:

"On a play at the plate, should the runner miss home plate and the fielder miss the tag on the runner, the umpire shall make no signal on the play. The runner must be tagged if he attempts to return to the plate; if he continues on his way to the bench, the defense may make an appeal."

"On a play at first base where the runner beats the catch of the throw, but misses first base, the umpire signals and calls safe. The runner beat the throw so he is safe. The missing of the base is an appeal of a base running infraction and must be made by the defense, not the umpire. If the defense appeals before he returns to the base you then call the runner out." Don't ask me why the two plays are handled differently. I don't know. They just are according to the official rulings. Submitted by: Jim Booth

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I don't know what baseball league I was playing under all the years I played but it was in New Jersey and there was always a "no call" when the runner missed the plate even if the defense was ten feet away. Glad I didn't have this situation happen when I was behind the plate a few times towards the end of this season...especially during championship games. ...Thanks again... Al

I believe the difference is because one is a tag play and the other involves the throw beating the runner to the bag. The play at home also allows the runner to leave the field at the play's conclusion. In both cases, the D can appeal.