Question: In high school baseball and softball, defense notices a baserunner who misses second base in advancing to third. Is it necessary for the ball to be returned to the pitcher’s mound and go through an appeal process?
Answer: No, defense has the choice to proceed with either a live ball appeal or dead ball appeal. In live ball appeal, any fielder in control of the ball can touch the missed base or tag the runner committing the infraction. During dead ball appeal, the coach or any fielder, with or without the ball, can request a verbal appeal (BB – Rule 8, Sec. 2, Art. 6(a, b, c); SB – Rule 2, Sec. 1, Art. 1-3(a, b)).
Question: Two outs; runner from second scores on a base hit by batter who misses first base and is thrown out at second for the third out. As the defense is leaving the field, a defender realizes the missed base. Can the appeal be recognized?
Answer: BB – Appeal must be made before pitcher and all infielders have left fair territory (Rule 8-2-5, Pen.). SB – At the end of a half-inning, appeal must take place before all infielders have left fair ground and the catcher has vacated her normal fielding position (Rule 2-1-4(b)). Appeal is denied if request is late. If appeal occurs in time, batter is called out and run does not score (BB & SB – Rule 9-1-1(a)).