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Originally Posted by Carl Childress
It ain't a "myth" just because you and Fronhesier think it's not true. Take a poll of the umpires in your association. See how many agree with you: "Dave, I just love to judge half swings from B or C."
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I have. The old guys, like you, perpetuate the myth. Those with more modern training agree that, while it may not be the best angle available, the angle from B or C is still better than no view, which is what PU has when a catcher pops up on him as the batter starts a swing. The more recently trained umpires also agree, in large measure, that the pro mechanic - always check upon request - is preferable to refusing to check, as allowed in FED, irrespective of your partner's positioning.
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If you had an argument with a high school coach over a half-swing you called a ball, tha's your fault, not his. You don't have to put the field umpire on the spot. The "appeal" is optional.
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The call that began my argument was my going to a partner in C for help, because the catcher popped up on me and completely blocked my view of the batter's "finish." I saw him start; there was no way I could tell if he checked. My partner called the strike, and in postgame discussion was fully supportive of what I did and why. We both had the same reaction to the coach's histrionics - that he was simply being a rat.