Delayed CheckSwing Appeal

[SAump]

Originally Posted by tibear

Situation: bases loaded and 1 out, count 3-2. Batter apparently pulls back a checkswing on the pitch and the PU awards base on balls.

As the runner from third is jogging from third the catcher casually walks 8 feet up the third base line and tags the runner as they pass, then turns to the plate umpire and wants to appeal the last pitch to the BU for possible strike three call.

Would you allow the appeal and subsequent double play??

This was brought up on another site and I indicated that I wouldn't allow the appeal because there had been too long a delay between the pitch and the appeal. As well, the tag of the R3 was not part of the original play(pitched ball) and I would interpret that as another "play" had taken place and the defence had lost it right to appeal.

How long should the runners remain on their TOP base before ensuring their advance is really without jeopardy of being tagged out as a result of a checkswing appeal??

Comments??

Who says "take your base" after ball four? If I chose to allow the appeal or the subsequent DP, then I would suggest that "take your base" may become an approved verbal mechanic. Until then, I would not allow the appeal, nor the subsequent DP. Besides, it is a live base-on-balls award. The defense by rule is not allowed to register an out on a runner forced to advance as a result of the walk until such an award is completed.

[UMP25]

When I train umpires, I cringe when I hear a guy working the stick say, "Take your base." I usually yell out, "What base should he take and what should he do with it when he takes it? How long can he keep it? Does he have to give it back?" or something like that.

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by SAump

. Besides, it is a live base-on-balls award. The defense by rule is not allowed to register an out until such an award is completed.

Huh? What rule is this?

[SAump]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Huh? What rule is this?

It is Fed 8-3-b.

[SanDiegoSteve]

8-3-1b to be exact.

[celebur]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Huh? What rule is this?

I think the point SAump is trying to make is that the defense cannot get an out on R3 by tagging him before the 'appealed' and ammended third strike. Before that happens, R3 is not in jeopardy. F2 would need to tag after the pitch was changed to a strike.

Can the defense get an out on any of these runners that were forced to advance by an apparent walk before the called ball is changed to a swinging strike?

[papablue]

Originally Posted by celebur

I think the point SAump is trying to make is that the defense cannot get an out on R3 by tagging him before the 'appealed' and ammended third strike. Before that happens, R3 is not in jeopardy. F2 would need to tag after the pitch was changed to a strike.

Can the defense get an out on any of these runners that were forced to advance by an apparent walk before the called ball is changed to a swinging strike?

By George, I think he's got it.