Checked swing-D3K

[MT 73]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

As the plate umpire, you do not say, "No she didn't." You simply call it a ball.

I like to do preventative umpiring and in this case I want all to know that I acknowledge the checked swing and felt that she/ he held up.
It is similar to giving a safe signal with a verbal "That's nothing" when appropriate.
I am sure that my doing so, even if not the approved mechanic, will not cause the world to end.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by MT 73

I like to do preventative umpiring and in this case I want all to know that I acknowledge the checked swing and felt that she/ he held up.

"Ball" == " I acknowledge the checked swing and felt that she/ he held up"

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by MT 73

It is similar to giving a safe signal with a verbal "That's nothing" when appropriate.

"Safe" == "That's nothing" and is acceptable for umpires.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by MT 73

I like to do preventative umpiring and in this case I want all to know that I acknowledge the checked swing and felt that she/ he held up.

It is similar to giving a safe signal with a verbal "That's nothing" when appropriate.

I am sure that my doing so, even if not the approved mechanic, will not cause the world to end.

It will cause a problem when you are required to go on a checked swing and your partner says she swung. This has nothing to do with preventative umpiring.


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[Rich Ives]

So if you call "ball" you have told the runner she doesn't have a need to run - so she doesn't, yet then it's on her if you change your mind?

[Andy]

I have heard two recommendations on this particular play:

1. As previously mentioned, PU immediately goes to BU on the check swing without waiting to be asked by defense.

2. PU refuses (in rule sets allowing it) the request to check with BU and sticks with the call of no swing and a ball.

I prefer option 1. Get the call made and let the players play.

My opinion of Option 2 is that it can create more problems than it solves. Yes, it may resolve that play at that point in the game, but can become a problem later with the umpire being perceived as too good to get help on a checked swing.

FWIW, I have NEVER heard of a teaching in softball that allows the BU to call the strike without a request from the PU.

[MT 73]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

It will cause a problem when you are required to go on a checked swing and your partner says she swung. This has nothing to do with preventative umpiring.


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"No she didn't-- Ball!"
Then I hear, "Blue-- can you go for help"?
I step out, point at my partner and ask, "Did she go?"
He says "Yes she did"
I respond, "Strike 3--ball is down" ( As per Jim Evan's manual) or I say,
"Strike 3--"No catch!" while giving the safe signal.
How will this cause a problem?

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by MT 73

"No she didn't-- Ball!"
Then I hear, "Blue-- can you go for help"?
I step out, point at my partner and ask, "Did she go?"
He says "Yes she did"
I respond, "Strike 3--ball is down" ( As per Jim Evan's manual) or I say,
"Strike 3--"No catch!" while giving the safe signal.
How will this cause a problem?

Just say BALL. You're implying she either didn't or you don't know. Saying she didn't is not acceptable.


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[MT 73]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Just say BALL. You're implying she either didn't or you don't know. Saying she didn't is not acceptable.


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I was trained by some very impressive clinicians to do it the way I described.
I am sure you are a very nice, skilled umpire but since I do not know you from a can of paint I will trust their advice over yours.
But thank you for sharing.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by MT 73

I was trained by some very impressive clinicians to do it the way I described.
I am sure you are a very nice, skilled umpire but since I do not know you from a can of paint I will trust their advice over yours.
But thank you for sharing.

Not in softball. Maybe these were baseball clinicians.


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[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by MT 73

I was trained by some very impressive clinicians to do it the way I described.
I am sure you are a very nice, skilled umpire but since I do not know you from a can of paint I will trust their advice over yours.
But thank you for sharing.

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Not in softball. Maybe these were baseball clinicians.

Impressive clinicians are now 0 for 2 in softball rules and mechanics.

But, no, thank YOU for sharing.