Check Swing Mechanic
 

A mechanic I do not understand.

In a check swing situation, the mechanic is to point with the right hand for a left-handed batter and the left hand for a right-handed batter.

Why? It is not like the mechanic to hold the pitcher so the signal is in the open for all to see as it is just the opposite. This mechanic actually places the signal between the catcher and the batter. Since this isn't an issue of visibility, why would an umpire be asked to point with the right hand?

Since I was a young pup, I was always taught to not point with the right hand as it could be confused for another signal. Granted, I started in baseball where a "point" could be anything from a strike to an out to the direction of 1B. So ingrained is this train of thought, I have a hard time raising my right hand to indicate an IFF.

Any other thoughts on this mechanic?

don't understand it either. I also don't like the one word "swing" question. I also feel like answering, only if my wife would let me. What is wrong with saying "did she go"?

Mike, I don't read the mechanic as you stated. I see the manual says when indicating a swing, the plate umpire indicates by pointing with the hand on the open side. That is a message delivered that is best seen by all.

However, when checking a swing to the base umpire, no such directive on pointing exists. Frankly, when you remove the mask with left hand, I see no real option but to point to the base umpire with the right hand.

In re: "swing", the emphasis several years ago was called "Simplify your Game", and urged single word calls, to minimize mistakes. It was suggested that those who call both males and females were safer with a generic call of "Swing?", than to mistakenly say "Did he go?" in a girls' or women's game, or "Did she go" in a men's game. One mechanic, used in all situations, is the mantra.

Its dumb to have a mechanic that switches around arm to arm.

I'm a creature of habit.. so sometimes I get it correct ..

If I'm trying.. I'll get it most of the time.

Dumb softball mechanic #2,390

But its so low on the list of lame things they force us to do, I never brought it up.

She didn't, she was only breathing hard!

Maybe somethings along that line is what is wrong with it.

Sorta like, "Hit her in the box."

"No blue, on the ankle."

:eek:

I'm pretty sure "swing" was last year.

We are allowed to say "did she go" this year. I always say that and never got dinged.

Last year was the big "one word" command/question type deal.

"swing?" "ball?" etc.

I take the mask off with my left hand, take a step toward the appropriate base partner, and use the one word "swing" - usually preceded by the partner's name. I can't imaginge pointing to a partner with my mask hand.

Sorry for the lack of clarification. I am referring only to indicating that the batter DID swing at the ball.

Page 187 of this year's ASA book in the fourth paragraph under Check Swing Situations it states the umpire is to indicate a swing by "pointing at the batter with the left hand for right handed batters or the right hand for left handed batters".

As previously stated, I do not understand the purpose or, for that matter, why there is even a concern to make this a given mechanic.

Seems to me, common sense would be that if you are executing a signal with the right hand, you point with the left. Does anyone have an umpire edition 2003 rule book? I would like to see if this was in the manual that year.

OK, I have jokes.....

I normally have to use my partners name instead to "swing". You know to wake them up first.....

How can you use your left hand to point? I am texting with it.....

How much of our dues went to the meeting to decide which hand you point to your partner with on a check swing? (no punch line)

I always point with my right, since my left arm normally had ice on it because the catcher can not catch anything inside.

In truth, I will go for help right away, so I am coming out of the slot asking for help. So I do not use my opposite hand because I might hit the catcher doing that. But now I have something else to work on. Because you know it is going to pop in my head the next time I ask for help.

Nice.

Now, read the manual and my post again. You DO NOT use the opposite hand when asking for help. You use the hand not holding the mask, your right hand, regardless where the batter is.

Mike's response clarified he is talking about when you point at the batter and declare "Swing!". In that case ONLY, the manual tells you to use the hand on the open side, as 1) your mask is still on, not in either hand, and 2) you might as well point with the hand everyone will see, not the one that is behind the batter (from the perspective of part of the defense).

Almost identical to what I do, except instead of using my partner's name, I usually just say "partner" before the question "swing?"

Is that followed with a do-si-do?

correct me if I am wrong but is this referring to the ASA Mechanic?

if it is this makes no sense. I know in NCAA your supposed to take your mask off with your left hand get from behind the catcher to where its highly visible and ask the question of swing however your supposed to phrase it. I usually make very good eye contact with my partner so that they know I am comming to them for the check swing and arent caught off gaurd then I will ask the question of "swing?" I have also been told that it is ok to say "do you have a swing?" pr something to that effect. thats in reference to NCAA. PONY that is also accepted. and if it isnt I am sure my local UIC will see this and correct me.

Okay, my opinion of the IQ level of this board's residents has really plummeted. Even after clarification, there are folks going in the other direction.

Actually, Steve, the manual states just the opposite. It says LH for a RH batter. And unless the catcher stands and moves away from her position, is there really an "open side" when you are in the slot?

I just think (personal opinion) pointing with the RH and continuing through with a signal just looks goofy no matter which side of the plate the batter is standing.

Personally, when the batter checks and I determine a swing, I point with the left, give a verbal of "yes!", stand, and make the hammer with my right. I don't change my point if it's a LHB or a RHB. (Perhaps I should?)

Mike, I'm curious why you're interested in this... did you have a SP batter who checked his swing? ;)

Only in TEXAS, only in TEXAS.

Only in TEXAS, only in TEXAS.

An umpire was recently corrected concerning this specific mechanic. I never really paid attention to this part of the mechanic and the very experienced umpire never heard of such a mechanic.

making the call yourself...
 

I think the question here doesn't merit any discussion about asking a partner for his/her opinion. If, as the HP umpire, you have decided that the batter did indeed swing or offer at a pitch that would have been a ball otherwise, you then declare that the batter swung at or offered at [bunt] the pitch.

If the pitch was in the strike zone, just call the strike. If anyone argues because they saw the batter check the swing, just say the pitch was a called strike regardless.

Now, if you've decided the batter has offered at a pitch that would have been a ball, the mechanic listed in the books is:

"The plate umpire should let everyone know that the batter swung at the ball by pointing at the batter with the left hand for right handed batters or the right hand for left handed batters, then give a strong verbal confirmation accompanied by a strike signal. Remove all doubt that the batter swung at the pitch."

RS10 also talks about the check swing, but doesn't get into the mechanics. One part I like about RS10 is in regards to the bunt attempt:

"On a bunt attempt where the batter puts the bat across the plate and the pitched ball is out of the strike zone, a ball should be called unless the batter moves the bat toward the ball."

A lot of coaches complain when the offensive player just leaves the bat out there without moving it. But if the batter doesn't move the bat toward the ball, it's not an offer.

I do a lot of single umpire games, both fast and 'sno-pitch, so I usually end up making a call on a check swing myself. Rarely will the catcher ask in a 2 umpire game, and then we'll go through the appeal step.

Ted

Ted,

"A lot of coaches complain when the offensive player just leaves the bat out there without moving it. But if the batter doesn't move the bat toward the ball, it's not an offer."

It depends on the sanctioning body as to whether that's an accurate statement. Since NCAA rules that a strike - and Fed will rule it a strike in 2009 - I would not be too surprised to see ASA go that way too.

OK, we know that there are four [4] associations that require the
bat to be withdrawn during the delivery of a pitch or that pitch will
be called a "strike" regardless of location. [NCAA, AFA, NAFA & NFHS]

Why? I believe that in NCAA coaches decide most rules. Do they want
this one to sort of balance out the offense/defense. By leaving the
bat over the plate area, a batter is in a way, hinding the catcher from
making a quality throw on a steal attempt.

I cannot see any other reason for a rule such as this. The first time I had
to call this rule was AFA, and the pitch was in the dirt. The second time
was NCAA and the pitch was over batter's, catcher's and my head.

Looks kinda silly. I know, you call the association that brung you to the
dance.

What I found insulting was the rationale the NFHS used... makes it easier for the umpire! Bah!

The reality is that it makes it easier for the coach. You know, none of that "umpire judgement" stuff to ruin their perfectly decent argument. :rolleyes: