Live Appeals in Baseball: Rules & Procedures
Question
I noticed that the "tag-up" play is considered a live appeal that the runner left too soon. Also, when a runner forced to second misses second, the rules of a force out count on the appeal, live or dead. The thing I'm wondering is if that runner (starting on first) touches second but misses third, can you do a live appeal on their missing third by simply touching the bag? I know this wouldn't be a force out, but I want to know if a tag is ever required when a runner has advanced past a base without tagging it.
Answer
Hi Jerry,
No, a tag is never required on a missed base, either a live or dead ball appeal with the defense having control of the ball and contacting the base is fine for the appeal. Of course you have to state to the umpire what the appeal is and on who.
Mark
I should add during a dead ball any infielder may make the verbal appeal w/ or w/out the ball.
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