Appeal of check swing

Question
My understanding of umpiring in general is that an umpire is under no obligation to consult his colleagues but, if he is persuaded to do so, he can consider their input and, if warranted, change his call. Another umpire cannot overrule his call on the field.

The exception to this seems to be the check swing case where the home plate ump consults the base ump who can immediately change a ball to a strike. My questions: Is this just a matter of convention or is there a separate rule concerning this situation? Can a home plate ump refuse to consult the base ump at the request of the catcher (this actually happened to our catcher in a recent tournament)? I've never seen it done, but could the batter appeal a called strike for the same reasons? If not, why not? Thanks ... as always.

Answer
Hi Mike,



Rules Sup 10 tells us
this is paraphrased

If on a pitched ball is not in the strike zone and if the hp umpire is in doubt about a swing at the ball or was blocked out they should call the pitch a ball and should only ask for help if there is doubt in their mind as to whether or not the batter swung at the ball.  

So yes a hp umpire can refuse to go for help.

So a ball call can involve some doubt and help may be needed.  A strike call does not involve any doubt, so no the appeal is not made.

Mark