UMPIRES
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, the batter tries to check his / her swing at a pitch but carries the barrel of the bat past the body. Is this a strike or a ball?
ANSWER: The plate umpire must use judgment on whether the batter’s movement was an actual attempt to swing at the pitch. Barrel passing the body and in the direction of the infield is an aid that umpires use to judge a “half swing.” If a strike is called, there cannot be an appeal. (BB- Rule 10, Sec. 1, Art. 4 (a)) (SB- Rule 2, Sec. 11 and Rule 10, Sec. 1, Art. 4, note).
QUESTION: Does umpire jurisdiction end at the final out of the game?
ANSWER: Umpire jurisdiction ends when they leave the playing field at the conclusion of the game. Umpires must be alert for any appeals on the final play which may alter the final outcome. Umpires maintain administrative reporting duties throughout completion of regulation play such as disqualifications, etc. (BB and SB- Rule 10, Sec. 1, Art. 2).
This is the final article for this season.