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Originally Posted by mbyron
I disagree. The distinction between retouch and missed base appeals has nothing to do with how obvious the appeal is.
The two appeals are governed by different rules. 7.08(d) and 7.10(a) for retouch appeals, and 7.10(b) and 7.10(d) for missed base appeals.
Especially extending 7.10(d) to all bases makes a difference since it includes the expression "makes no attempt to return." That expression does not appear in the rule for retouch appeals.
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Most umpires would argue 7-10(b) isn't about a missed base appeal. They would state, "It's an appeal by the defense about a requirement to run the bases in legal order." Most umpires believe the runner must be tagged if he is forced to return to touch a missed base.
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In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third and home base in order. If forced to return, he shall retouch all bases in reverse order, unless the ball is dead under any provision of Rule 5.09.
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It is clear when a runner is forced to advance that a tag of the base is allowed.
It is not so clear when he is forced to return that the base can be tagged for the out.
Ex. Two runners on 3rd base. One is forced back to second. Tag of base still okay?
Ex. Runner passes 2nd base without touching it, is it a missed base or is the runner forced to return to touch the base before he can continue his advance to the next base?
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(b) With the ball in play, while advancing or returning to a base, he fails to touch each base in order before he, or a missed base, is tagged.
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Why does 7-10(b) exist?
To keep the baserunner from cutting across the diamond from 3rd to 1st. Period!
Does anyone remember the first time it was used in a MLB ballgame?
I bet our most famous historian does.