tagging up..hypothetical..

[learnintheropes]

OK - I have never seen this situation, but I had a discusion regaring retouching a base after a fly ball has been caught as an appeal play. I know that by the fielders actions, the appeal can be made (as oppsed to verbally appealing). The situation in question is this: Fielder (say F3) makes catch,runner is off the base, fielder doesn't realize the runner is off the base (not impossible in 12U), but steps on the base in the process of throwing the ball back to the pitcher. If the umpire makes no call, the coach will go nuts and probably call time. Now..to have an appeal, does it require that, in the umpires judgement, the fielder knew what was going on? What are your opinions? Would it be the same situation as if a runner missed home plate, no one but the UP saw it, the catcher has the ball and steps on home throwing back to the pithcer? In that case I don't think I would have an out. Thoughts?