Historical footage has resurfaced showing how inconsistent and often ridiculous checked swing rulings used to be in Major League Baseball. The compilation underscores the long-standing difficulty umpires face in judging whether a batter successfully held up on a swing.
The discussion comes amid ongoing debate over the subjectivity of the rule. A recent photo from Game 1 of the 2025 National League Championship Series at American Family Field captured Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts conferring with umpire James Hoye during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers on October 13, 2025, illustrating how such calls remain pivotal in high-stakes games.
