check swing appeal - what a mess......

[PeteBooth]

Originally Posted by UMP25

So, Pete, you'd rather have this clusterf--k? Not me. There's a reason why the MLBUM has the section on voluntary strike, and why I use it even at the NCAA level, whether it's a D1 game or D3 game I work. It actually prevents problems like this from occurring. It's just common sense and good officiating.

A voluntary strike occurs when the batter has the opportunity to become a runner on a third strike not caught. At that time, the BU should immediately make the call on the half-swing without waiting for his partner to ask. As a plate umpire, I want my base partner(s) to do this!

The ONLY reason there was a clusterf--k? was because the BU called it a strike.

If the BU simply mirrored the call all would be "right with the world"

It's the Bu's judgement vs. the Pu's judgement and whose to say which oine is correct.

ok to each his own

Pete Booth

[Ump153]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

The ONLY reason there was a clusterf--k? was because the BU called it a strike.

If the BU simply mirrored the call all would be "right with the world"

Pete Booth

Soooooooo, you're saying that a solution where the BU is required to "mirror" the PU, regardless of what he thinks is truthful and accurate is preferable to utilizing a mechanic specifically designed to handle this situation effectively and honestly.

My, oh my.

[UMP25]

Apparently that's what he believes. Absent properly utilizing the "voluntary strike," the BU should just keep it a nonswing and a ball. However, that becomes moot if he employs the proper mechanic, that being the voluntary strike. There's a reason why this mechanic came to be: strictly because of this screw-up having occurred.

Oftentimes in umpiring, certain mechanics or interpretations come down as a direct result of these clusterf--ks.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

The ONLY reason there was a clusterf--k? was because the BU called it a strike.

I can't believe that you would advocate an umpire making up things that didn't really happen for appearances sake.

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

If the BU simply mirrored the call all would be "right with the world"

No, that would make him a liar, and especially so if it was obviously a swing, which would illustrate the fact that he has no character.

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

and whose[sic] to say which oine is correct.

Nearly everyone else in the discussion, not to mention the widely accepted mechanic.

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

ok to each his own

No, there is only one right answer, and mirroring an obviously bad call is not the solution. The right thing would be for the BU to immediately rule a swing in this situation.

[Kevin Finnerty]

And if I were to elaborate on my stated opinion on this matter, it would read a lot like what Steve just wrote---Steve, the man who went back and walked the walk (in a smaller suit than before) and became an honor student again.