As the pitcher winds up and delivers, the batter faces a split-second decision: to swing or not to swing. But what happens when the swing is halfway halted? Welcome to the world of checked swings, where the line between a ball and a strike blurs with each subtle movement. This article explores the complexities of checked swings in baseball, shedding light on the criteria, controversies, and consequences of these pivotal moments on the diamond.
What is a Checked Swing in Baseball?
In baseball, a checked swing is a partial or aborted attempt by a batter to swing at a pitched ball. It happens when the batter initially begins the swinging motion but then quickly stops before fully committing to the swing. The purpose of a checked swing is usually to avoid swinging at a pitch that the batter decides is not hittable or outside the strike zone. If the swing is successfully “checked,” meaning it’s deemed incomplete by the umpire, and the bat doesn’t cross the front of the plate, it’s not considered a full swing. Therefore, if the ball doesn’t enter the strike zone and the bat doesn’t make contact with it, it’s typically ruled as a ball. Conversely, if the umpire determines that the swing wasn’t checked and the bat crossed the front of the plate, it’s considered a full swing, and whether the pitch is a ball or strike depends on its location relative to the strike zone.
MLB Check Swing Rule
The MLB check swing rule governs how umpires determine whether a batter has fully committed to a swing or has successfully checked their swing. While the MLB rulebook doesn’t provide an explicit definition of a checked swing, it defines a swing as “an attempt to strike at the ball.” Therefore, it’s ultimately up to the discretion of the umpire to decide whether a batter has made a legitimate attempt to swing.
Umpires may consider various factors when making this determination, such as whether the bat crossed the front of the plate or if the batter showed clear intent to swing. Some umpires historically used the “breaking the wrists” criterion, where if the batter’s wrists rolled over, it indicated a swing. However, this criterion is not commonly used anymore.
If the umpire rules that the swing was checked, and the ball did not enter the strike zone, it’s typically called a ball. Conversely, if the swing was not checked and the ball passes through the strike zone, it’s called a strike.
In cases where there’s uncertainty or disagreement on a checked swing call, the home plate umpire may request assistance from another umpire on the field, usually the first or third base umpire, depending on the batter’s handedness. The assisting umpire then makes the final call on whether the swing was checked.
It’s worth noting that checked swings can sometimes result in unintentional contact with the ball, leading to outcomes like a swinging bunt. If the ball is hit during a checked swing and remains fair, it’s considered in play unless ruled a foul ball.
Check Swing Strile Rule
In Major League Baseball (MLB), the check swing strike rule is a pivotal aspect of the game’s dynamics. It comes into play when a batter attempts to check their swing, halting the motion before the bat fully crosses the front of the plate. If the umpire judges that the batter failed to successfully check their swing and the bat indeed crossed the plate, it’s considered a full swing. Consequently, if the pitch is within the strike zone, it’s called a strike. This ruling can significantly impact the outcome of an at-bat, potentially leading to a strikeout or altering the count. Given the subjective nature of determining a checked swing, umpires’ judgments play a crucial role, often sparking debates and discussions among players, coaches, and fans.
