Quote:
Originally posted by ump1955
The ball in the dirt is irrelevant. You either believe he swung or he didn't. I would point and say "YES HE DID" if I thought he swung. If it is the third strike and first base is empty or if there are two outs, you will have a dropped third strike. The batter will know to run and the defense will know to play on him. If you don't think he swung, say "BALL". Chances are you will get a request for an appeal from the catcher. You check with your partner and go from there.
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The fact that the ball is in the dirt is VERY relevant. Think about the ALCS series and the play with Podsednik.
The problem is mostly likely going to arise as a result of the umpire not making it clear as to whether the ball was caught in flight and NOT whether the batter swung or not ... as happened in the controversial play in the ALCS.
In that case, the umpire was very clear as to whether Podsednik swung or not but he was NOT clear as to whether the ball was caught by the catcher for the immediate out.
In light of that controversial play, every umpire should reevaluate their mechanics for a play like that - especially those umpires who use the hammer (and not the point) as their normal strike signal.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN