How is it possible ….

[NiceDocter]

I always figured it was if the bat got to straight out across the plate or further….

[butchie_t]

I have always known it to be a bat that does not break the plane of the top of home plate.

[Snapolit1]

There is no rule as to what physically is a swing vs a checked swing. Totally a subjective call. No formal criteria.

[Beercan collector]

Originally Posted by butchie_t

I have always known it to be a bat that does not break the plane of the top of home plate.

I always thought that was the rule because Of announcers mentioning it millions of times - also If the batter’s wrist “break” - “ how is it possible this is not in the rulebook ?” Is a good point, wouldn’t take much effort to make it a rule .. With today’s technology it could even be reviewable if need be

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by butchie_t

I have always known it to be a bat that does not break the plane of the top of home plate.

When we were kids playing tennis ball baseball, some kids, when they had 2 strikes, would take a hard half-swing. If they hit the ball, it would go far enough to be a hit. If they missed, it would be a "check swing" because they didn't break their wrists, the bat didn't go beyond the plate, and it didn't go past perpendicular.

So, we figured out how to "game" that non-rule a half century ago.