Twins/Mariners Ichiro play at 1B

[bossman72]

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.

So in the play discussed in the following thread (Tigers vs Injuns 5-1-09 Laz Diaz? no-call), would you call this an "unmistakable" appeal by the defense?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bossman72

So in the play discussed in the following thread (Tigers vs Injuns 5-1-09 Laz Diaz? no-call), would you call this an "unmistakable" appeal by the defense?

Yes, though we concluded in that thread that the appeal was not properly constituted for a different reason.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Yes, though we concluded in that thread that the appeal was not properly constituted for a different reason.

Ok, i see what you're saying.

I read another thread mentioned in the Laz Diaz thread which also confirmed that if the D does something 'unmistakable' that you should award the appeal and call him out.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bossman72

Ok, i see what you're saying.

I read another thread mentioned in the Laz Diaz thread which also confirmed that if the D does something 'unmistakable' that you should award the appeal and call him out.

Yeah, I think some people learn about that word 'unmistakable' in the rule and immediately put too much weight on it. Especially as you go up to HS varsity and beyond, these kids know the game pretty well. When everyone's shouting "he missed third! he missed third!" and the ball comes into F5 standing on the base, I regard that as pretty unmistakable.

Notice also that the rule does NOT require players to verbalize their appeal. An appeal can be unmistakable without anyone uttering a word. Context can make words necessary (for instance, if 2 runners passed a base, and we need to know which runner is appealed), but the rule does not.

OTOH, players and coaches think that they have to request time, give the ball to the pitcher, and have him throw to the base for a simple retouch appeal, but still...