An appeal play in baseball and softball refers to a specific type of defensive action in which a fielder, or the defensive team, requests an umpire to declare an offensive player out for a rules violation that is not immediately or automatically called. Unlike plays where an umpire observes an infraction and makes an immediate ruling (e.g., a batter striking out or a runner being tagged out), an appeal play requires the defensive team to identify the violation and formally "appeal" to the umpire for a decision.
Types of Violations Subject to Appeal: The most common violations that lead to an appeal play include:
- Missing a base: A runner fails to touch a base (first, second, third, or home plate) in proper sequence.
- Leaving a base too early: A runner on base leaves before a caught fly ball is first touched by a fielder (known as "tagging up").
- Leaving a base too early on a tag play: In some rule sets (especially for stolen bases), a runner leaves the base before the pitcher delivers the pitch or before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
- Failure to retouch a base: After a foul tip or caught fly ball, a runner advances or returns to a previous base without properly retouching their original base.
Procedure for an Appeal: For an appeal to be valid, the defensive team must:
- Possess the ball: A fielder must have possession of the ball.
- Touch the base or tag the runner: The fielder must touch the base that the runner missed or left early, or tag the runner themselves, while in possession of the ball.
- Verbally appeal: The fielder, or another member of the defensive team (like the manager or catcher), must clearly indicate to the umpire that they are appealing the play, often by asking a question such as "Did he touch the base?" or "Did he tag up?"
- Timing: The appeal must generally be made before the next pitch, or before the defensive team leaves the field at the end of an inning (e.g., all fielders have crossed the foul line). If the defensive team begins a play that results in a runner being put in jeopardy (e.g., attempting a pickoff or rundown), it may nullify the ability to make an appeal on a prior infraction if that new play concluded without an appeal.
Consequences and Strategy: If an appeal is successful, the umpire will declare the runner out, potentially changing the outcome of an inning or game. If the appeal is unsuccessful (meaning the umpire determines no violation occurred), the play stands. Appeal plays are a strategic element of baseball and softball, requiring defensive awareness and knowledge of the rules to execute correctly. They demonstrate that not all rule infractions are automatically enforced, placing a burden on the defensive team to notice and act upon certain violations.