[QUOTE]
Originally posted by Warren Willson
Quote:
...When the next batter, a known slugger, came to the plate the count agonized out to 3-1. On the next pitch the ball was clearly up, although it was over the plate. The batter's first instincts took over, and he didn't offer right away. However, milliseconds after the ball hit the catcher's glove he realised that he had probably missed his last opportunity to smack one over the fence, so he swung the bat! I called "Ball four. No he didn't go" and followed that with an explanatory "Alex, if you're going to convince me you've swung you'll have to do a lot better than that. Take your base." The catcher never said a word. He knew I'd done his pitcher a favor.
Cheers
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Warren;
Last year, I told of a case where the pitcher was giving an intentional walk when the count went to 3-0. The batter swung at air as the next pitch was delivered 2-3 feet outside. The batter made no attempt to hit the ball, he just wanted to delay the inevitible and make the pitcher throw more pitches. Since I knew that the next pitch would be at his head, I ruled "No, he did not go!" and sent him to first base. The OFFENSIVE coach came out and wanted me to check with my partner. I told him that only the catcher could make that appeal and the catcher smiled at the other coach and said "No dice" or words to that effect. The coach, being stymied, went back to the dugout. The batter apologized to me after the game for he realized that his actions could have had severe repercussions.
Anyway, I created a huge contoversy, not at the game, but on this forum with that post. You, on the other hand, did not even generate one reply. (grin)
Peter