Check Swing
2016/7/15 17:02:48
Question
Bases loaded, 3-2 count on the batter with 2 outs. Batter appears to check swing but the plate umpire calls ball 4. Runners advance, girl on third crosses the plate. Catcher asks if the batter went? Umpire says no... She appeals to the first base umpire and he say "YES SHE WENT" and signals STRIKE. What do we do now?
Answer
Hi Chris,
It seems like the catcher's asking for help from the PU is really late although they can still ask, R1 has crossed HP before F2 even asked? From your question it seems that the PU did not go for help quickly after the pitch or at any other time. If that's correct this tells me that the PU was sure of their call. The ASA umpire manual says the the PU should ask his partner for help on a checked swing that's called a ball if asked, HOWEVER it does not say they must.
But I need more information... your question doesn't specifically tell me...
Is "she appeals to..." the catcher or the PU? if it's the catcher she cannot ask the BU for help only the PU can. If it was F2 the BU should NOT have answered.
if "she" is the PU then the BU's call is fine, batter is out, no runs score, end of your question.
BUT I am taking it that "she" is F2 just by the tone of your question (maybe I'm wrong) and asked the BU and the BU responded with "yes...." if that's the case we have a small "mess".
Now the umpires have to handle it, but what it boils down to this is the PU's call. If they want to get together (PU and BU) to talk about it, fine. If the PU is really "POed" the BU opened their mouth when they shouldn't have and says "My call, ball 4, batter up" fine. Whatever they do, the final decision and resulting ball or strike call is up to the PU.
Mark
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