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This I have from a very credible source in Texas:
First, the LL rulebook omits the OBR casebook comment that says the umpire must check when asked.Â* So, the omission of the comment lends some support to the interpretation that LL does not follow the OBR model. However, that's not fullproof because there are many other instances of LL omitting OBR comments that are, in fact, applicable to LL rules.
The second, and somewhat more definitive citation, is this statement in the LL Rules Instruction Manual, which is the manual given to LL trainers and instructors:
"It is customary for the plate umpire to check on a half-swing called a "ball" if he/she has doubt."
There is no comment in The Right Call that supports the "must appeal" theory.
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I'm sorry you haven't worked any LL this year. I've jumped into LL with both feet this season in Wisconsin and just got finished working the Majors and Minors districts and tonight worked the State Championship game in the Junior division as part of a 6-umpire crew. Most of the tournament officials here in Wisconsin are also pretty good college umpires, so the games go quite well. After two weeks of tournament play here there were no incidents to report of, no protests, and no problems at all.
Rich
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