appeal runner leaving early

[Guest Ryan]

Runner on third, no outs, ball hit to center field. OBR. coach wants to appeal that the runner on third left early. I know that proper appeal is pitcher getting on rubber, stepping off, and throwing to third. However, what happens if the coach just tells the pitcher to throw to third without going on the rubber? What should the umpire say/do?

[BRUMP]

if the ball is still in play and its obvious there making an appeal then make a call

[grayhawk]

The whole "pitcher getting on the rubber" sequence only needs to happen if the ball becomes dead - home run over the fence, ball thrown out of play, time called, etc.  In OBR, appeals are only valid when the ball is in play, which is the reason the pitcher needs to get on the rubber with the ball after the ball becomes dead - so the umpire can put the ball back into play.  When the ball is still in play, the appeal can be made by throwing directly to the base, or tagging the runner, as long as the appeal is unmistakable to the umpire.

[noumpere]

 I know that proper appeal is pitcher getting on rubber, stepping off, and throwing to third.

Not knowing something is not a problem.  Knowing something that isn't true is a problem.

[Jocko]

Say there was a hit n run on. Fly ball is caught. Runner is thrown out at his TOP base. This is technically an appeal. No need to step on the rubber n all that jazz, right? Same/Same.

[johnnyg08]

As long as it is obvious and intentional.

[MPLSMatt]

Come on now, they are just having some fun. Don't take it personally. 

[johnnyg08]

Runner on third, no outs, ball hit to center field. OBR. coach wants to appeal that the runner on third left early. I know that proper appeal is pitcher getting on rubber, stepping off, and throwing to third. However, what happens if the coach just tells the pitcher to throw to third without going on the rubber? What should the umpire say/do?

Very common myth. I get told I'm wrong all the time when I tell coaches that as long as the ball is live you don't have to do the gymnastics.         

[Aging_Arbiter]

Not to get TOO far off topic.........but I just LOVE IT when a coach tries to teach his 9/10yo players during a game.....

 

Coach:  Bill, can I have time?

Me:  TIME!

Coach: <walks to mound> ok Johnny, when the umpire puts the ball back in play, step back with your right/left (as the case may be) and then throw the ball to Timmy to appeal the runner missing the bag.

Johnny: ok coach!

Me: Play!

Johnny: Time blue?

Me: Time......and yes, Johnny steps off correctly and throws to appeal

Partner: <nothing>

Me: Ball has to be live gentlemen.......Johnny gets on pitcher plate.

Me: PLAY!

Johnny: Time Blue?  

Me: Coach Jim, can I see you for a moment.............

 

Then we employ what NFHS like to refer to as a "teachable moment"