D3K, Check Swing Appeal

[topper]

On a D3K and a checked swing, I'm going for help immediately to minimize any confusion caused by a delay. That's what I was taught. It makes sense paricularly in NCAA play, but I do at all levels. Of course I check when asked at all levels too. I've never understood why a PU wouldn't.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by topper

On a D3K and a checked swing, I'm going for help immediately to minimize any confusion caused by a delay. That's what I was taught. It makes sense paricularly in NCAA play, but I do at all levels.

So, if the batter moves the bat, you are going to the BU every time it isn't a full swing?

Of course I check when asked at all levels too. I've never understood why a PU wouldn't.

So, if you see an definite check swing, you are going to go just to placate the coach?

I'm not suggesting an umpire not go for help if there is a question, but questioning why the umpire would go if s/he believes they ($.02 to Dakota) saw the entire situation and there was nothing to miss.

[topper]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So, if the batter moves the bat, you are going to the BU every time it isn't a full swing?.

In a D3K situation, yes.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So, if you see an definite check swing, you are going to go just to placate the coach?.

Who said anything about placating anyone? 95% of my games are played under rules that require me to go when asked. I do it in the other 5% partly out of habit, partly because I don't see a down side to it.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

...but questioning why the umpire would go if s/he believes...

I'm probably just as confident as the next person about trusting my judgement, but believing is not knowing. We all know there are situations where we may not have the best view of things. A possible checked swing is one of them. I'm curious to hear your general or specific reason not to check if asked.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by topper

I'm probably just as confident as the next person about trusting my judgement, but believing is not knowing. We all know there are situations where we may not have the best view of things. A possible checked swing is one of them. I'm curious to hear your general or specific reason not to check if asked.

If I saw it beyond doubt, other than to placate a coach, why should I go for help? I'm not talking about anything questionable. I'm referring to an absolutely no doubt about it situation.

In some circumstances, it has become too routine at the plate and in the field to demand an umpire ask for help, sometimes to the point of becoming a fishing expedition. Requesting an umpire ask for help should be taken seriously and that just isn't always the case.

Saw a game last year where the catcher refused to ask and just told the coach she didn't go. Coach was miffed, but if the catcher realized there was no swing, what the hell was the coach looking at or doing when telling her to ask?

I understand when required and I don't refute that any umpire working under that banner should without hesitation follow the prescribed protocol. And I'm not suggesting umpires not ask for help just because they do not have to ask. I'm simply stating that going for help shouldn't become the norm just because someone asked, but because it is possible, even remotely, that the umpire missed an element of the swing/play.