tagging up..hypothetical..

[WestMichBlue]

Cecil - for a guy that normally has all the right answers, you must be brain-dead this Monday morning.

(1) by the fielders actions, the appeal can be made " is called a "live ball appeal" (any fielder).

No. It is a live ball appeal because the ball is live! Both a request and an action is requred. The request can be either physical or verbal or both. The action must be physical (tag the base or the runner). If the player demands the ball and runs over and tags the base and looks at me, I can assume an appeal. I still prefer verbal "Blue, appealing that she left early" so I am not guessing intent.

(2) "verbally appealing" is called a "dead ball appeal" so obviously the ball must be dead (no outfielders).

Well - - - it a dead ball appeal because the ball is dead. No physical action is required, only a verbal request.

(3) Yes, the runner is out for not tagging. Even if we could determine what the fielder knows or thinks, the physical touch causes the out. (4) The runner at home is also out. The umpire is only expected to be a mind reader when the rule specifically requires intent and that usually has to be accompanied by some physical indication.

No, no, no. Read definition of appeal: "A play on which the umpire does not make a ruling unless requested by a coach or player. A causal or accidental tag IS NOT a request. NO request, you have NO ruling.

Now, got get yourself a cup of coffee. (VBG)

WMB