The CHECK SWING!

[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by bob jenkins
2) Why would you box yourself into a corner by repeating the "he didn't go" and then asking? Just say, "ball" and then ask, if requested. Saves everyone a lot of grief.

Bob, I think you'll find that is the current approved pro mechanic, as described in the UDP Manual For The Two-Umpire System. Here is an excerpt from Section 10.9 Procedures for Check Swings, found on pp84,85.

If the pitch is a ball and the batter does not swing at the pitch, the mechanic to be used is "Ball; no he didn't go." If the pitch is a ball but the batter commits on the check swing, a two-part mechanic is to be used: "Yes he went," while pointing directly at the batter; then - after finishing the pointing - the umpire shall give the strike signal.

Most umpires in upper level ball understand the use of the "Ball; no he didn't go" mechanic as indicative that their PU partner had a clear look at the check and made a decision that the batter did not offer. In those circumstances crews at that level trust the umpire who is 100 feet closer to the play to have the better view, and never overrule that call.

OTOH, if the PU is unsighted or simply calls "Ball" only, then the BU should feel entitled to offer the next best opinion on the check attempt when questioned.

That "understanding" has become traditional among most umpires at the upper levels of the game. The 1976 Note, appended following 9.02(c), is a hangover from the days when umpires believed that the bat head breaking the plane of the plate was the single best criterion for judging a swing. NAPBL/PBUC 1.12 shows that more modern thinking has clearly superceded that with pure umpire judgement on the offer. Most now accept that unless the PU was unsighted, he is clearly in the best position to see any attempt to offer or check.

Frankly I consider it particularly ironic that the check swing Note appears in 9.02, considering that rule deals principally with NOT overruling your partner on a judgement call!

Hope this helps

Cheers