At this point I am not so convinced it was a ball. To the contrary there is a
strong arguement that this was a proper appeal:

Source: 2009 Little League Rule Book

PG 50 Rule 2.00 Definition of a Base- A base is one of four points which must be
touched by a runner in order to score a run; more usually applied to the canvas
bags and the rubber plate which mark the base points.

Source: 2009 Little League Rule Book

PG 82 Rule 8:05 An illegal pitch when a runner or runners are on base is
when....

(d) the pitcher, when touching the plate, throws, or feints a throw to an
occupied base, except for the purpose of making a play

Source: 2009 Little League Umpire School Rules Instruction Manual (RIM)

PG 83 Rule 8:05 (d) Instructor Comments:
"Throwing to an unocccupied base to make an appeal is acceptable and not a
balk."


So if the pitcher threw to an unoccupied "base" (Per defnition- in this case
home plate) for the purpose of making a play (per Rule 8:05 (d) and which
according to the RIM interpretation is perfectly fine- why is this not a proper
appeal?