Failed Live Ball Appeals


Bases loaded and one out. There is a high fly ball to the outfield, so the runner at third is tagging and the other runners are holding at their bases. The runner at third leaves third base before the ball is caught and then scores. The umpires and the defense see that the runner left early and the defense attempts a live-ball appeal at third. The catcher throws to third, but the throw is high and goes out of play.
 
A. Since the defense could not execute the appeal on their first try, is there a penalty? If so, what?

Call
NF allows both dead-ball and live-ball appeals. MLB only allows live-ball appeals, so one failed appeal (per runner and per base) is all that the MLB'ers are allowed. In NF, after a live-ball appeal that results in a dead-ball, the coach can still request a dead-ball appeal.


B. If the appeal had been executed properly, which umpire has the responsibility to determine if the runner at third left early?

Call
The home plate umpire has the sole responsibility to determine if the runner left third base before the ball was caught (or touched) by the outfielder.


C. The coaches don't know which umpire has the responsibility, so what is the mechanic if the coach asks the umpire who was not watching for the tag at third?

Call
The base umpire has responsibility for the catch in the outfield (unless it is down either foul line) and responsibility for the proper tag ups by the runner on second and the runner on first. Since the base umpire is closest to third base, it is tempting for the base umpire to respond to the coaches appeal. The proper mechanic is for the home plate umpire to interject BEFORE the base umpire has a chance to respond to the appeal.