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.