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One of the two new California Baseball Umpires Association mechanics
Umpire crews (2, 3, or 4 man) are authorized and encouraged to use the following two mechanics. While recommend, these are optional mechanics and if used, should be discussed by the crew in the pre-game meeting.
VOLUNTARY STRIKE:
In a situation where the batter is permitted, by rule, to advance to first base on a dropped third strike, the base umpire in a two man crew, or the appropriate umpire in a three or four man crew, may immediately and voluntarily, make a strike call IF the base umpire intended to reverse the plate umpire if the plate umpire had asked. This mechanic gives the batter an immediate opportunity to run.
Example: With first base unoccupied and a 3-2 count, the batter checks his swing and the ball eludes the catcher. If the first base umpire intended to call a strike on appeal from the plate umpire, the first base umpire may make the call immediately.
The mechanic is for the base umpire to raise his right arm above his head, fist closed, and loudly and emphatically announces The batter went, the batter went.
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