Expert: Martin Hoover - 3/9/2009

Question
2 strikes on the batter, no one on base.  The batter checks his swing, no call by the umpire, the ball gets by catcher and goes back to the backstop.  Catcher retrieves the ball, throws it back to the pitcher, the opposing manager asks for an appeal on the swing and the first base umpire says he went.  Pitcher throws the ball to first to record the out.

There was easily enough time for the batter to reach first but because the home plate umpire did not call a strike or ask for the appeal right away, the batter didn't run.  The pitch itself was called a ball (not called a strike).  In this case doesn't the appeal to the first base umpire need to come immediately by the home plate umpire if he is not sure it was a swing?  Second, doesn't a player need to ask for an appeal not the manager?

Answer
Joel,

First, there is no restriction on the time an appeal is made.  In this instance, the plate umpire went to his partner for help, and declared it a strike.  The pitcher can throw the ball to first for the out.  The plate umpire should have checked if it was close, but once again, there is no restriction to time.

Anyone can request an appeal, but it should come from the field and not the manager.  Once again, this is all up to the officials on the field.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover