Know the Rules- Part 7

Last Week's Question:

An appeal play is when an umpire can't make a decision on a play until requested by a player or coach from either the defensive or offensive team.  An example of one appeal play is when a baserunner misses a base, the defensive team must request that the play is reviewed, as the umpire cannot make a call until that request is made.  Another example is when a replacement player enters the game without reporting to the umpire first (by either the player or their coach).

There are 11 appeal plays in total.  Can you name the other 9?

- leaving a base on a caught fly ball before the ball is first touched
- batting out-of-order
- attempting to advance to second base after making a turn at first base
- illegal pitcher returning to the game as a pitcher
- illegal substitutions
- illegal re-entry
- hitting a ball with an illegal or altered bat
- making a play with an illegal glove
- runners switching positions on bases they occupied

How many did you get?  Some are more relevant to coaches, some are appeal plays that players on the field or on the bench should be aware of...always pay attention no matter what when it comes to an appeal play!

This Week's Question (by special request!):

Two different scenarios for you to consider:

a)  On a dropped third strike, the catcher throws the ball to first base, but the throw is off the mark and the first baseman tags the orange half of the base.

b)  On a dropped third strike the catcher makes a better throw, however the batter-runner tags the white portion of the base before the ball is caught.

What is the call for both of these situations?  Is it the same?