Saw something on TV that Made Me Think!

[IamMatt]

Originally Posted by Dakota

It is an appeal only if it is an appeal. Intentional stepping on the base is not the standard. The intent could be for a force out.

The fielder needs to communicate SOMEHOW that an appeal is being made. Sometimes, just stepping on the base is all that is required for the umpire to know it is an appeal. Sometimes, the fielder needs to communicate an appeal is being made. Umpires are not mind readers.

Having (mis?)understood that the fielder touching the missed base was the correct way to do a live ball appeal, what would you need to see/hear or whatever to know that it is an appeal? Does the catcher need to say "she missed the plate" before/during/after she is stepping on it? Would the same be true of missing other bases, and would the fielder be required to say it loud enough for the PU to hear (one-man)?

Thanks. The more I learn the less I feel like I know.