Umpire Question

Question
I was at a game this year and bases were loaded with one out. The batter hit the ball to right field for a triple. Three runners crossed the plate, returned to the dugout and time was called by the manager and given by the umpire.

An appeal was then made that the first runner to cross the plate missed touching home plate. This is where things went a little crazy.

First, the umpire would not allow the manager to appeal the play, unless the pitcher made a live ball appeal by throwing the ball to the catcher, who touched home plate. The manager (obviously new) did not know what this was and the umpire would not tell. Finally, a parent informed the manager to have the pitcher throw the ball to the catcher.

Second, the appeal held up and the first runner to cross the plate was declared out for the second out of the inning. The umpire then positioned all players that came in behind the appealed runner back on the bases. The girl with the triple was now put on first and the other two runners on 2nd and 3rd.

I now 揂sk The Umpire? what is the correct call. Once time is called and given, does the defense have to throw the ball to the appealed base or is the manager questioning the missed base sufficient? In addition, do the succeeding runners score when the proceeding runner misses a base and is properly appealed?

Answer
Scott,

Any infielder, including the catcher and the pitcher, can simply request an appeal.  The ball doesn't have to be thrown to the particular base.  The appropriate umpire will then make the call.

Since the runner that was called out for missing the base was the second out, all play that happens afterwards stands.  The other two runs should have scored and the batter should be on third.

A missed base does not kill the play.  In fact the all bases are assumed to have been touched unless and appeal is made and upheld.

Tom