Check Swings
Umpires should use the mechanics of hitting to assist them in judging check swings. Did the batter do any of the following?
- Pass their bat through the zone
- Roll their wrists and turn their hips
- Was the bat in front of their body
- Did the bat pass in front of the plate
- Did they convince you that they made an attempt to swing?
Also, keep in mind that for a bunt there is no requirement for the batter to "pull the bat back" prior to the pitch arriving. This is a common myth. If the bat did not move, and the pitch is outside of the strike zone, it is a ball. They key is whether there was an "attempt" at the ball.