Good answer which, of course, raises another question:

 

Are HS kids required to appeal in the same manner as MLB rules or can the Coach merely raise the issue with the umps?

 

If the former, this can get pretty tricky (e.g., kid takes the rubber, steps off and before throwing to 3rd to appeal, makes a fake throw to 1st to make sure that runner doesn't take off for 2nd and then throws to 3rd -- ump just looks at him because no appeal is made since the appeal must be the 1st act to take place after the ball is put back in play -- in this instance, when he faked the runner back to 1st, he lost his opportunity to appeal.)

 

No, not accurate. An appeal cannot be made once a "play" or "attempted play" has already taken place. Simply faking a throw to a base does not constitute either. If he actually threw the ball to first base, that would be a different story. BTW, a pitcher does not have to step off the rubber to make an appeal. It is generally done this year to eliminate any possiblity of him balking, as a balk would be considered a "play" and would nullify any attempt to make an appeal.

FED 8-2-5 says :

 

Appeals must be made... on the last play of the game, an appeal can be made until the umpires leave the field of play.

 

The question posed to me by an umpire was why were the umpires still on the field when the players were going through the post-game handshake line? He said many associations teach umpires to leave the field immediately. I can tell you this is how basketball officials are taught as well. Horn blows. Look at the scorekeeper to make sure he/she has no issues , put your head down, and leave.

 

Yep, nice catch. There is a provision that allows for an appeal to be made until umpires leave the field if it invovles the last play of the game. If its the last play of the inning (that doesn't end the game), it must be made before all players leave the field of play.

Anyone notice the following sign at the concession stand that showed Clint wasn't happy with things?

 

Wording is a bit off but it was something like "no alcohol sales because it upset Beechwood."

TOG - after you get your beauty rest throw up the pitching stats for both teams. Thanks.