What is an appeal play?

• A. A defensive attempt to challenge a baserunner for leaving a base too early or not touching a base
• B. An offensive request to challenge a call
• C. A fielder's throw to a base to prevent a run
• D. A coach's challenge to umpire after the play

Answer: (A)

An appeal play is a defensive move used to enforce baserunning rules by challenging whether a runner left a base too early or failed to touch a base. After a play has progressed and while the ball is alive, the defense makes the appeal by returning the ball to the base in question—often by touching that base with the ball and informing the umpire. If the umpire determines the violation occurred, the runner is out. This is something the defense does to enforce the rule; it’s not initiated by the offense, and it isn’t about a fielder throwing to prevent a run or a coach’s post‑play challenge. The purpose is to ensure baserunners comply with touching bases and not leaving early, with the appeal being the formal mechanism to call the violation.