Babe Ruth Rules

[DG]

Originally Posted by Jim Porter

Folks, this play illustrates the concept of relaxed versus unrelaxed actions as outlined in the Jaksa/Roder Manual. Unfortunately, the original poster didn't give us quite enough information to make a decision about whether this tag of R2 constituted an unmistakable act of appeal.

If R2 is inactive and standing on third, it is relaxed action and the tag can be interpreted as an unmistakable act of appeal. The tag could not be mistaken for anything but an act of appeal.

If R2 is still in the act of trying to reach third base and the throw is on its way, then the tag can easily be mistaken for an attempt to put out R2 because he is in jeopardy. Therefore, it is not an unmistakable act of appeal.

I disagree. Absent any hint that the defense knows the runner left too soon the relaxed tag you mention could not be interpreted as an appeal. How many times have we seen tags applied for no reason, ie batter standing on a base and a relaxed tag is applied? All F5 has to do is say "he left early" when he tags him and all doubt is removed.