What do you look for on a check swing?

I am a new umpire, but I have been coaching for 16 years.

Over the years I haver heard different umpires say they look for different things (break the wrist, break the plane of the plate etc. )

The rule of case books really do not help.

What do YOU look for?

What you are judging is the intent to swing. As a PU if you loose the tip of the bat then call it a swing. If you don't then it's a check. This a basis not a hard and fast method but as new ump it will help you learn. Exactly what is and isn't is hard to describe but as the old saying goes, you'll know it when you see it.

Agreed....it is a judgement call and after just a few check swings you will be able to call most of them with a comfortable certainty.....

Now the batters wont always agree, but thats not your concern. Like MST says, Judge these on the "intent to swing" in the amount of movement....

Its your call, but understand that it isnt neccesary or even expected for a Plate Umpire to get these 100%...thats what the appeal is for....If you miss one and your BU will have an answer for you....

From a mechanical perspective and being a new umpire, I recommend that when you see a checked swing and rule that he indeed took a swing....point at the batter with your left hand, indicate strike with your right hand and loudly say "Yes! He went!"......

In my opinion, being demonstrative in this is prefered. You should never rule this weakly until you have established your credibility and reputation as an umpire......Mr. "40 Years as the local Umpire" can get away with the casual, quiet Pro mechanic, but that can be a problem for new guys....

If you are the Plate umpire and you call the pitch a ball and there is a question of a checked swing, upon a proper request, go to your partner without hesitation.....But make sure you do the asking.....Point at your partner and loudly ask "did he go?".....nothing bad can come of this situation....He either confirms your opinion or a strike is added to the count....no harm done..

When you are the base umpire, when you are asked give your honest opinion of whether or not the batter did indeed swing.....If you are in B or C position, some people will say you cant rule on a checked swing because of your position.....I dont 100% agree with that. It is more difficult, but if you see a swing call it...if you are unsure reply "no he didnt go"........again nothing bad can come of this situation....you either confirm the Plate Umpires opinion or a strike is added to the count....no harm done..

Hope this helps

If you are the BU while learning again you can use the barrel. If you see the end of the bat then there is no doubt it a swing. If you aren't sure then call it a ball.

MST, PIAA_UMP

Thank you.

I was in the c-position and after the pitch the plate umpire popped up and asked for help without hesitating because the cacther stood up and blocked his view.

I was very loud and confident in my call that he went.

I know it is a judgement call and was asking just to get an idea of what others look for.

quote:

Originally posted by BigWI:
MST, PIAA_UMP

Thank you.

I was in the c-position and after the pitch the plate umpire popped up and asked for help without hesitating because the cacther stood up and blocked his view.

I was very loud and confident in my call that he went.

I know it is a judgement call and was asking just to get an idea of what others look for.

Unfortunately, in B or C there are plenty of coaches who will disagree with your right to call a swing, but that is still your call, make it! It sounds like you did just fine.