If a defensive coach appeals that a runner left too early after a pitch has been made, what is the ruling?

When a defensive coach appeals that a runner left too early after a pitch has been made, the ruling is that the appeal is invalid. In baseball and softball, an appeal can only be made on a play that is either a base running infraction that occurs before the pitcher delivers the pitch or during the play when the runner is still advancing. Once the pitch has been made, the action concerning the runner leaving early is no longer subject to appeal.

Appeals must be made in accordance with specific rules that govern timing and circumstances. In this case, the act of leaving the base early is not a valid appeal once the pitcher has initiated the pitch, rendering the defensive coach’s appeal invalid. The defense cannot retroactively apply rules regarding the timing of the runner’s departure based on the action that has already taken place with the pitch. Thus, the correct ruling in response to the defensive coach's appeal is that the appeal is invalid.