Beating myself up about this one...

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by UMP25

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.

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.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

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.

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.

[Interested Ump]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

2 strikes - check swing pitch that goes to the backstop. I call ball (sic) F2...throws to first. Partner signals out! My partner said he knew he went and didn't know that I didn't call it. I'm assuming I should have just appealed it myself immediately, correct?

Was BU calling "Out" for the B-R 3rd strike dropped, out on throw to 1B or 3Ks? If the first, then declare the count and reset the batter. If the second, then if BU has the authority, you have a K-Out. Why would you appeal if you have made a call of "Ball"?

[Interested Ump]

Why would you appeal if you have made a call of "Ball"?

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Appealing immediately to your partner in the OP's situation is taught at the professional level to avoid the schithouse that can occur when B/R doesn't run and an appeal is requested after F2 retrieves the ball and BU rules strike 3.

I may be incorrect but I presumed that B/R did run (otherwise F2 would have a tag instead of a throw possibly); the OP has informed that he did not observe a swing which lead to "Why would you appeal if you have made a call of "Ball"?

[TussAgee11]

Ok, I'll clarify.

I did not have a swing on the play. The batter half chucked at it, the pitch was very close on the corner and I was focused there. I balled it because I didn't see a swing, but clearly I just missed it.

BU called OUT, not strike. He thought that I had called a swing - said he looked at the ball going to the backstop (still he should have seen me not do anything... I don't know where he was coming from with this).

We huddled, he said he had a swing, which I told him that I never saw, but he told me it was pretty obvious. I told him that I don't see how we can end this without an out on the B/R.

The B/R never ran, the ball went to the backstop, the catcher retrieved it and threw to first.

Live and learn...

[Steven Tyler]

No appeal, no strike.

What's so hard to understand?

The both of you fabricated a strike out of thin air.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

No appeal, no strike.

What's so hard to understand?

The both of you fabricated a strike out of thin air.

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.

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Last game of the day today. 2 strikes - check swing pitch that goes to the backstop. I call ball and wait for the catcher to appeal.

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