Dropped Third Strike - Check Swing

[mbyron]

The timing of the tag does not matter. The BR is out if he's tagged, even if the appeal happens after the tag. The batter becomes a runner (and so is liable to be tagged out) after a third strike not legally caught, not after the BU rules on the half swing. So your "overthrow" is irrelevant (I assume F2 is throwing the ball around after the K).

When I'm BU, this is the situation where I will give my ruling on a half swing without being asked. I follow the Bob Jenkins school on this point, and will come up with my ruling when:

1. the batter offered
2. the PU doesn't get it immediately
3. F2 doesn't legally catch the pitch, and
4. the BR can run (2 outs or no R1)

The rationale for jumping in with this call is fairness to the BR.

[TussAgee11]

Voluntary strike - the BU can, and should, call strike if he has a swing once PU has ruled no swing on a D3K.

[bob jenkins]

Agreed w/ mbyron and TussAgee, but it's a reasonably advanced mechanic. That is, if you do it as BU with an inexperienced PU and no pre-game on it, expect a "deer in the headlights" look at best.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Agreed w/ mbyron and TussAgee, but it's a reasonably advanced mechanic. That is, if you do it as BU with an inexperienced PU and no pre-game on it, expect a "deer in the headlights" look at best.

Better to get it right than worry about an inexperienced partner's overreaction. Well done, Bob!

[dileonardoja]

This definitely needs a pregame. And if you pregame it the mechanic should be for the PU going to BU IMMEDIATELY after the uncaught 3rd strike/check swing.

Initiation by the BU can create a bad situation. For example, say it was a full count and the PU has a checked swing (thus BB). Now here comes BU with a reversal when DEF hasn't appealed or PU hasn't asked for help . OC is going to get fired up.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by dileonardoja

Initiation by the BU can create a bad situation. For example, say it was a full count and the PU has a checked swing (thus BB). Now here comes BU with a reversal when DEF hasn't appealed or PU hasn't asked for help . OC is going to get fired up.

If it gives his BR a chance to reach 1B, he won't say a word.

This is, as others have pointed out, an advanced mechanic. If you're not comfortable using it, then don't. But it does not have bad consequences when used properly.

[MikeStrybel]

Just to clarify, are you suggesting that the BU make the call on a check swing WITHOUT the PU asking for help?