did the run score ?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

Excuse me? That's not his call.

PU should make a quick appeal without being asked if there is any question. I've never heard that BU should simply make a call on this without being asked by PU.

I disagree with this assement.

On topic, no, like everyone else has stated

By now you know that it *can* be an accepted mechanic.

That said, if the mechanic is not used in your area, I wouldn't spring it on an unsuspecting PU without discussing it in the pre-game.

And, if you're the PU, you can ask for help without being asked by the defense -- it's almost as good as BU just coming up with the call.

Either way, it lets both teams know what is going on and helps (but, as Kevin illustrates doesn't eliminate) avoid the post-call-reversal discussions / third world plays that might happen.

[jkumpire]

With respect,

The voluntary strike mechanic is a good idea. However, the MLBUM mechanics book is not the law for mechanics except in MLB/MiLB. And if the 2007 manual is the first one with it in, then a lot of good umpires are behind the times. I would encourage you good people who have the manual to bring this to the attention of the CCA guys (for example), and see if they will include it in the future.

I could see multiple big time discussions with a BU who uses this on a field today on many levels of baseball.

[Welpe]

Bob nailed it. This needs to be pre-gamed.

While the MLBUM is a useful resource, I wouldn't go as far as to say it is the highest authority for amateur baseball. Your governing body or association is going to be the final authority on this mechanic. [Edit: I see jkumpire made that same point above me, I guess I missed it!]

If this is not a standard mechanic in your area, you can really put your crew in the jackpot if you come up with a swinging strike on an unsuspecting PU.

[cardinalfan]

The next time I have a boring game with one of my buddies behind the plate, I may yell, "Yes he did" or "No, he did not" for no good reason. I think it would spice up the game a little!

Seriously, the only time I've ever used this is when the dugout is trying to get the catcher to appeal, but they can't get his attention. If I agree with the PU that the batter did not swing, I'll yell, "No, he did not" with the safe mechanic just to expediate the process.

I can see where this would be very helpful in certain situations with 2 strikes and runners on base.

[nopachunts]

cardinalfan wrote:
"Seriously, the only time I've ever used this is when the dugout is trying to get the catcher to appeal, but they can't get his attention. If I agree with the PU that the batter did not swing, I'll yell, "No, he did not" with the safe mechanic just to expediate the process."

Don't throw the PU under the bus on this. If the dugout can't get the catcher's attention, that's not the PU or BU's problem. If I am BU, everybody and their sister can ask if the batter went but unless the PU asks, I know nothing.