Dropped Third Strike on Check Swing

[Guest Guest Ump Dan]

Can't recall ever having this happen before, and considering how common both events are, that seems unusual.

Fed Rules. No runners, 2-2 count. Batter checks his swing, catcher does not catch pitch. Plate umpire rules batter checked up for ball 3. Defense asks him to appeal to base umpire. If base umpire rules it was a strike, does the runner have the ability to try to get to first on the drop? Also, what happens if the scenario occurs on a 3-2 count and the BR is on his way to first under a potential ball four when the plate umpire appeals to the base umpire?

[maven]

PU should appeal the check swing to BU immediately and without being asked. Yes, the BR has the opportunity to advance on the D3K. No different with 3-2: PU should ask immediately.

[noumpere]

1 minute ago, maven said:

PU should appeal the check swing to BU immediately and without being asked. Yes, the BR has the opportunity to advance on the D3K. No different with 3-2: PU should ask immediately.

And, even if the PU does not appeal immediately, the same rules apply.  But, in FED, the umpire is allowed to rule on "what would have happened" if the call is changed.  So, for example, if the ball goes all the way to the backstop, and F2 retrieves it and then walks back to the plate and then asks for an appeal -- award BR first.  If F2 immediately gloves the pitch in the dirt, and then it's appealed -- rule BR out.)

[Senor Azul]

2018 NFHS rule 10 SECTION 2 UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF

ART. 3 . . . His duties include those listed in 10-2-1, 2 and the following:

l. Rectify any situation in which an umpire’s decision that was reversed has placed either team at a disadvantage.

2019 NFHS Case Book Play 10.2.3 Situation H:  With a count of three balls and two strikes on B2 and R1 on first base, the batter takes what appears to be a half swing. The plate umpire calls ball four and R1, upon hearing ball four, then trots to second base. The catcher asks the plate umpire to check with the base umpire to see if B2 did, in fact, attempt to hit the pitch. The base umpire indicates that the batter did swing at the ball. RULING:  The plate umpire will declare the batter out and return R1 to first base. The umpire-in-chief can rectify any situation in which an umpire’s decision that was reversed has placed a base runner in jeopardy.

10.2.3 Situation I:  With a count of three balls and two strikes on B1 and no runners on base, the pitch is made and the batter takes what appears to be a half swing. The plate umpire calls ball four as the ball gets away from F2. B1 trots to first base and F2 throws the ball to F3, who tags B1 prior to his reaching the base. F2 asks the plate umpire to check with the base umpire to see if it was a strike. The base umpire indicates that B1 did swing at the ball. RULING:  If, in the judgment of the umpire-in-chief, B1 would have reached first base before the throw if it had not been called ball four, the plate umpire can award B1 first base. The umpire-in-chief can rectify any situation in which an umpire’s decision has placed a batter-runner in jeopardy. Advances and outs made by runners following a reversed call stand, if the call that was changed clearly did not place them in jeopardy.

 

[Tborze]

BU can also rule on the attempt without being asked to eliminate any confusion in this situation. Pre-game it. 

[Jimurray]

2 hours ago, Tborze said:

BU can also rule on the attempt, if he has a swing, without being asked to eliminate any confusion in this situation. Pre-game it because FED does not require a plate umpire to to ask and your partner might be one of those who would not always ask.

Voluntary strike notes added in red.

[Tborze]

I didn't say rule on the un-attempt