double first base appeal - follow up to 4/18

Question
Hello Dr. Ambrose,

This is a follow-up question to your answer about the double first base on 4/18. Please explain ways to make a successful appeal.

You have pointed out that no appeal can be made after the runner returns to the 1st base (ASA Rule 8-M-3 and R/S 1-A). Next, to make an appeal I would think 1B would need to do it as a live ball appeal. According to ASA R/S 1-B, any fielder in possession of the ball and touching the base should be an appeal.

In the case of 1B catching the ball say a second or two after the BR has touched the white 1st base of a double bag and before the runner returns to the bag, what else must be done to complete an appeal? For instance, is the catch sufficient, or does 1B need to turn around and tag the BR while off the bag? It's unlikely 1B would see where the BR stepped if the catch is a close play.

P.S. I'm using ASA 2007 rules, don't have a 2008 copy handy.


Answer
Hi Dale,

A LBA is usually the way it is done, possesion of the ball, contact with the bag and "blue runner touched only the white".  F3 could also tag the b-r before return and make the appeal if they wanted to go to that trouble.

In SP time might be called and a DBA could then be made before the runner returned.  Then in ASA any infielder could make the appeal.

I've seen where teams have a specific code they say to F3.  The catcher trailing might say  "Mike, code blue" and then F3 makes the LBA.

Mark