Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy
I have heard two schools of thought on this situation:
1. Refuse the request for help and go with the PU call. This is fine in ASA and NFHS, where the umpire is not required to honor the request. It can make you appear as a hard-a** umpire, however and lead to issues later in the game.
2. Don't wait for the request and immediately go to BU for help on the check swing. You may still have a batter standing there in the box who can easily be put out with a tag or throw to first, but at least PU did not contribute to the delay by waiting for a request for help.
I prefer option 2, but it can be an awkward situation either way.
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Personally, I don't accept Option 1 as viable or appropriate. It is our job to call what the players do, not hide from that call because it may be difficult. If the batter didn't check, the defense is fully entitled to that call. I don't see any way around that.
And, if the checked swing appeal wasn't part of the game, well, there wouldn't be rules about it, there wouldn't be a mechanic (remove mask, step out, etc.); it wouldn't be part of the game. But, it is part of the game, and our job is to call what the players do, and rule on an appeal when made.
So, sorry Coach; I'm not asking for a checked swing anytime there is a pitch with two strikes, and I
AM going to grant the appeal by the catcher any time I think she isn't making a mockery by appealing when the batter didn't even flinch.
IF it is questionable to
ME, then my mechanic is to "ball" it and let my partner make the decision, and I will most often not wait for the catcher in that case; but the decision to run or not run when she considers she
MAY be in jeopardy is between you and your batter. That's coaching; I umpire.