Quote:
Originally posted by carldog
I've read about this previously here...just can't remember it: With no one on base and 1 out, Batter checks his swing on a 2-2 pitch in the dirt. Ball rolls to backstop. Ump signals/indicates a 'ball 3'. Once the catcher has retreived the ball, he requests an appeal. On appeal to the field Ump, the call is changed to strike three. Batter is instantly / easily tagged out.
First, what is the proper sequence of events here for the Umps? Was this handled well?
Also, what does a coach instruct his batter to do in this situation? If he runs to first, it looks like he is confirming / acknowledging a swing/strike. If he does not run, he risks being a dead duck.
Thanks!
|
The PU can request help from his partner on a checked swing, ANY TIME. Of course, the sooner the better on a checked swing/passed ball is ideal, but, if it happened that way, you probably wouldn't be asking this question. This also assumes the PU has doubt whether the batter swung at the ball, or the PU is even aware that the batter may have swung at the ball. (Catcher stands up to stop bouncing ball and blocks PU view of batters possible swing)
Now this is ideal however, with less experienced officials, chances are real good that it is not going to happen this way. SOOOOO, as in your case the catcher retrieves the ball then appeals, well , dems the breaks. There is NO rule to prevent this from happening this way. If a catcher is smart enough to realize this and uses it to his advantage, good for him, dems the breaks.
About the only thing a coach can instruct here is make a decision and go with it.
Now , I know most of this it NOT in favor of the batter but, dems the breaks.
The BU has NO Right to offer his/her opinion about the swing , unless asked. To do otherwise, is counter to the rules and gives an advantage to one team, over the other.