CR/SFG Catcher or Batter Interference?

[mattmets]

Originally Posted by UMP25

Under OBR, if a plate umpire is asked to seek help on a check swing, he is obligated to go to a partner for help. It's not an option. Why the umpire in question refused to not seek help I cannot answer.

Since when?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by mattmets

Since when?

From the MLBUM:

8.6 CHECK-SWING APPEALS
The Casebook Comments to Official Baseball Rule 9.02(c) provide that the manager or catcher may request the plate umpire to ask a partner for help on a half-swing when the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball. The rule further states that appeals on a half-swing may only be made on a call of ball and when asked to appeal.

The preferred mechanic for asking help on a check swing is for the plate umpire to point assertively with the left arm directly at the appropriate base umpire while asking if the batter swung. This mechanic helps avoid confusion between an appeal and a strike mechanic.

Under the Official Baseball Rules, the plate umpire has an obligation to ask for help when the catcher or manager of the defensive team requests an appeal.

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by mattmets

Since when?

Assuming that's not a rhetorical question, since 1976, according to Jim Evans in Baseball Rules Annotated.

[mattmets]

Originally Posted by Dave Hensley

Assuming that's not a rhetorical question, since 1976, according to Jim Evans in Baseball Rules Annotated.

Semi-rhetorical. Steve's answer was enough for me, but thanks.

[johnnyg08]

Anybody know where to get the MLB Casebook that I referred to in my earlier post on this thread? It's called the something like the Professional Baseball Umpire Manual or something like that...I can't find the thing anywhere...thanks guys...baseball is almost done for the year here in MN...Amateur state tournament is starting next weekend and goes through Labor Day weekend, then we're done here except for some off and on fall league stuff...anyway, thanks to anybody who can help me find a copy of this manual.