Appeal

Bandit · #1 (**permalink**) Tue Mar 27, 2001, 03:36pm

Went to a High School Cert class last week and had a lengthy discussion about the appeal play at first base. Was wanting to know if anyone else had. Here's the play: BR hits routine ground ball and runs to and thru first base before the ball arrives, but steps over the bag. The BU is to call the runner safe even though the first baseman caught and touched the bag. If the a defensive player does not appeal before the runner returns to the bag the runner is safe. (Appeal Procedures and Guidelines, NFHS Rules Book, Page 74, #12) We had a bunch of umpires and coaches jumping up and down on this one. This may only happen once this year to anyone but I'm sure I'll be the lucky one. Anyone else expierience a reaction to this type of play or situation ?

Gulf Coast Blue · #2 (**permalink**) Tue Mar 27, 2001, 03:54pm

Bandit..........I have had this happen. F3 never made a live ball appeal....and the BR returned safely......not a peep from anyone. If they would have said something.....I could say........See the POE #1 Appeals-L. (I know this is a FED quesion, but their appeal rules are the same).

This is the proper mechanic for this play from ASA to Proffesional baseball. The runner is assumed to have touched a base once they pass it but may be put out on proper appeal.

In this case.......if F3 touches the BR before they return to first or if for some reason, the BR advances to 2nd a dead ball appeal may also be made.

I have seen umpires get red in the face debating this rule, but what you went over is the proper interpretation in all levels of BB and SB.

You are now ready for it when it happens.

Joel

oppool · #3 (**permalink**) Tue Mar 27, 2001, 04:58pm

Okay, F3 caught the ball from F6 after BR crosses the bag. What if F4 yells "appeal BR missed bag" right after F3 catches the throw and standing on the bag.

If I am reading the live ball appeal correctly this would not count as a proper appeal only F3 with the ball can ask for the appeal on live ball in this situation so unless F3 mumbles something while on the base with the ball or tags BR before he gets back to the bag we have a safe call any other comments from the other fielders and coaches are ignored.

Had to add this congrats to Steve M I believe your the 1st Senior Member on this softball board. Deserves at least one of those adult beverages for just putting up with us

Thanks

Don

[Edited by oppool on Mar 27th, 2001 at 04:08 PM]

IRISHMAFIA · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Mar 28, 2001, 10:55pm

Okay, I'll start this one.

The statement by F4 can be considered the show of intent should F3 run over and tag the BR or step on the base a second time with the obvious meaning of an appeal.

But just make sure this happens during a live ball, because once the ball is ruled dead, the runner must be allowed to return and touch the bag prior to making any rulings.