MLB also allows BU to "preemptively" call a strike (that is, rule so) if PU doesn't ask and BU would so have ruled.

I'd say that while BU didn't give the mechainc for such a call, he effectively made one.

While both PU and BU could have done better, the "right" call was made in the end.

Wrong.

It doesn't matter if no one asked for help; the base umpire should give it immediately in such situations. It's called a voluntary strike and is an excellent mechanic to employ.

When the batter can become a runner on a ball that gets away from the catcher, the base umpire rules on a check swing without waiting for the request for help from his plate partner. The MLBUM explains this, and it is an approved mechanic under OBR and NCAA. The problems it prevents is worth it.

Just to review the thread so I fully understand what should have / could have been done.

1) I could have appealed it myself immediately to BU if I suspected batter may have attempted

OR

2) BU could have taken the liberty of yelling "HE WENT" while signaling with his fist.

Either one of these would have been fine, correct?

There is, of course, another possibility, ie your partner was wrong on his assessment. Next time you have a checked swing on a 3rd strike not caught go to BU immediately, as soon as it is clear the catcher did not catch it.

his assessment of an attempted swing? probably not, considering even the offensive coach admitted it was obvious that he swung (clearly I just didn't see it in my peripheral vision).

or did you mean something else DG?

I'm not saying what you have posted is incorrect. It is an excellent mechanic when the situation calls for it. Gives the offense and defense adequate notice to run and make a play. In the play of the original post, unless the base ump gives his ruling immediately, an appeal from the defense to get a strike should have been made. The batter didn't even know a strike had been called on him, except in the base ump's mind. Saying, "I would have rung up him if you would have asked", doesn't cut it.

What I'm getting at is, no action by umpire or defense equals no strike. Unfortunately, every post seems to enhance the situation in the original topic.

No such help is needed in this situation. The base umpire should immediately rule whether he swung or not. This is exactly why a "voluntary strike" is a recommended and approved mechanic. I can tell you this much: umpires who utilize the voluntary strike will find themselves more highly rated in the long run.

#2) Not "could have" but should have for the base umpire.

No, I meant what I said. Nothing I had read so far convinced me your partner was correct. The offensive coach had some words for you, but admits the batter swung. So what did he say?

The coach basically said he was upset and questioned "well why not point right away?" He continued to say "How is my runner supposed to know if he has to run?" I really couldn't answer either of these questions because I knew he was right.

I told him my partner saw a swing, first base was tagged, and there was no way we could not have an OUT (In alot terser words). He then said "Well its obvious he swung, I'm fine with it, let's play".

The coach was fairly young (maybe in college) and appeared to have been around baseball long enough to know these things aren't life and death like other parents and coaches think.

Still, that doesn't make me feel any better about it.

Does that clear it up DG?

[QUOTE]I do not understand the aforementioned.

Why wait for F2 to appeal.

In YOUR Judgement B1 either offered at the pitch or he didn't.

If you are Unsure, then go to your partner right away.

Do not get in the habit of calling a pitch a ball (even though you are unsure) and then have holy h**l break loose afterwards awaiting for someone to appeal.

Pete Booth