[Jim Porter]

One simply needs to look at some games from the 70's on ESPN Classic to see the impact that checked swing appeals have made on the game. Anytime I watch one of those oldies, I am astounded by the number of times the batters clearly break the plane, break their wrists, and even point their barrels into fair territory, and they are all called balls by the plate umpire. Nary a word is said, too.