Is an appeal required?

Mr. P · #1 (**permalink**) Fri Jun 07, 2002, 08:15am

Runner on third, less than 2 outs.
Runner tags on a fly ball.
Runner misses the plate, catcher misses the tag.
Runner makes no attempt to touch plate and goes into the dugout.
Must there be an appeal or can the PU call him out for
"abandoning the base"?

brandda · #2 (**permalink**) Fri Jun 07, 2002, 08:50am

There must be an appeal. If the runner goes into the dugout and makes no attempt to retouch home plate, the catcher must get the ball, touch home plate and appeal to the PU.

ozzy6900 · #3 (**permalink**) Fri Jun 07, 2002, 08:54am

Unless a proper appeal is made, the umpire must "assume" that the base has been touched. Calling anything will tip off one side or the other and that is not right for the umpire to do. Many people do not like this but face facts, there was no tag and the base was missed so there is no play for the umpire to call. By being silent, both sides should wake up and do something. If no one does anything as soon as the next pitch is thrown, the run officialy scores.