Catcher pick-offs/end-of-play
 

If a catcher throws down a runner on first that, say, took too big a lead, is that counted as a pick-off for the catcher?

This begs the additional question: when does the current play end after a pitch untouched by the bat or batter is caught by the catcher?

Thanks

A pick-of isn't an official stat so call it what you will. The scoring for a pickoff at 1B by the catcher throwing to the first baseman would be 2-3.

Not sure what you are looking for on your second question.

To answer the second question, defining "the play" is a scorekeeping function - which is not covered by the rules and is not a responsibility of the umpire(s). Once a catcher has received a pitch, play is still live. A runner may attempt to steal a base, the defensive team may attempt to pick off a runner, etc.

For example, the fourth ball of an at bat is called. The batter is therefore awarded first base on the walk. "Play" is still live while the runner heads to first, and after the runner gets to first. For example, the batter-runner may immediately round first and attempt to take second if he wishes.

"Play" ends when an umpire calls time, declares a dead ball, or calls the third out of an inning. "Play" does not resume until the home plate umpire declares so.

The question is does that pick negate a batting out of order appeal or a missed base appeal. Per PBUC/MLBUM a wild pitch followed by continuous action would not negate an appeal. If the pitch was caught followed by a pick is that "continuous action"? You would have to concoct some scenarios where this might come into play.

YES because a pitch was thrown.

And if the pitcher throws the pick YES because a pick attempt is a play (legitimate attempt to to retire a runner).

Most scenarios would have to be convoluted but improper batter gets ball four as F2 tries to pick R3 at 3B. Allow the BOO appeal?

Yes.

Concise and correct IMHO.

I'd think the same requirements for putting a dead ball back in play would apply: Pitcher on the rubber with the ball, & batter in the box.

Anything before that would be considered part of the previous continuing action.

Not if action relaxed and then a play was attempted.

'Twas never dead.

Therefore it's live.

A play or appeal can happen.

BTW no batter in the box is required to put the ball in play - customary to wait.

There has to be *some* line of demarcation to determine when a BOO appeal can't be allowed.

There is:

“(3) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any play or attempted play, the umpire shall (1) declare the proper batter out; and (2) nullify any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the improper bat- ter or because of the improper batter’s advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise.”

The question was whether a continuous action play after a pitch negated an appeal.