If time has NOT been called by t= he umpire an appeal may be made by the defense in any of the following ways; <= o:p>
1.&n=
bsp;
by
touching the runner whom they believe committed a base running infraction
(missed base or left before catch);
2.&n=
bsp;
or
by touching the base they believe was missed while the runner was advancing=
;
3.&n=
bsp;
or
by touching the original base that a runner left before a fly ball w=
as
caught.
In all cases a verbal appeal must be ma=
de to
the umpire or an act that is unmistakably an appeal. Accidentally touching a
base that was missed is not an appeal. A throw to a base to catch a runner =
who
has not retouched is unmistakably an appeal.
Appeals must be made before the next pitch or play. If =
time has
been called (or the ball is dead for any other reason. HR or foul ball etc.) and t=
he
defense makes an appeal, the umpire should say "put the ball in play a=
nd
appeal again." Since no runner may advance or be put out while the bal=
l is
dead, this is not a play and the defense has not lost their right to appeal
after the ball is put in play. The appeal itself is not a play. A fake thro=
w to
hold a runner is not a play. A balk committed during an appeal is a play. P=
lays
that occur during continuous action after an infraction do not cancel the
defenses right to appeal.
The defense loses their right to appeal when any of the following actions
occur:
1.&n=
bsp;
The
throw to a base made in an appeal attempt goes into dead ball territory.
2.&n=
bsp;
A
balk is committed before or as part of an appeal attempt.
3.&n=
bsp;
A
pitch is made to the batter.
4.&n=
bsp;
A
play is made that is not part of continuous action.
Calling time prior to =
making
an appeal does not cause the defense to lose their right to appeal. The ball
must be put back in play by the pitcher stepping on the rubber with the ball
and the umpire stating "Play." Then the appeal may be made.