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Peter:
In your first post, you stated:
"After a 3-0 count, the batter takes a big cut at ball four which is 2 feet outside."
From that, not being being a mind reader and relying only on what I had read, I understood that the batter swung at the ball.
Today's clarification more resembles a play with which I am familiar, to wit: 0-2 count pitches comes in about four feet high, destined for the back stop, batter swings, level, and takes off hoping for a free base on an uncaught third strike. No dice, c'mon back.
However, I still maintain you were mistaken in your reference to "call it like the bigs". You said that since this play never happens in the majors it would not happen on your field. But it did happen on your field and now you have to deal with it. I merely suggested that you deal with it as they would in the pros, and I did so without prior knowledge or, really, a formed opinion.
I also contacted a former minor league umpire. He also stated that it would probably end up with a beaning, but that ignoring the swing wouldn't change that. He reasoned he would call it similar to a check swing. If the batter leaned into or even feined in the direction of the ball, he would call the strike. Otherwise, he would treat it like the "uncaught third strike" play I described above.
For my own amusement, I have also sent the play to MLB for their opinion on what they would expect of their umpires in that situation. Again, I have no set opinion on the play and I honestly do not know how I would rule should it happen today.
Whether or not you feel the need to please officials with your calls is beside the point for me. I am more interested in a real ruling/authoritative opinion than an assignor pleasing call. (Even though, as an assignor, I enjoyed being pleased)
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