strike

Question
Sounds like a silly question but what is a strike? If a change-up crosses the front part of the plate high but, on the downward motion,is between the top of the knees and the letters or chest when it crosses the very back of the plate, is this a strike? Assuming the batter is in a regular position relevant to the plate i.e. not forward or back in the box.

Answer
Richard,

This is far from the silliest question I have had here.  It really should be asked more often.

You indicate in your question that you know the position of the batter in the box is irrelevant. The position of the ball as it crosses the plate is what matters.

Each umpires strike zone will vary a little bit so I won't quote what a rule book would say.

In effect the zone is a cube, the width and depth should be the size of the plate, but it is not unusual for the zone to be a little wider than the plate, especially at the younger ages.  The height of the zone will vary more by umpire.  For me it is any part of the ball above the knees and the whole ball below mid chest.  

So the cube/strike zone for me is if any part of the ball hits the outside edges of the zone at any point while any part of the ball is between the front and back as defined by the apex of the plate while the top of the ball is above the knees and the top of the ball isn't out of the zone at some time while the ball is over the plate, I have a strike.

With that said, as ten other umpires and see what you get for an answer and you will better understand why your question is not silly.

Thanks
Tom