Check-swing
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A check-swing is a type of swing in baseball. A check-swing occurs when a batter starts to swing for the ball, but stops the swing shortly before the ball reaches home plate. Generally, the 1st or 3rd base umpire decides whether it was a real check-swing or ruled a strike, after a request for such a decision from the catcher. (The 1st base umpire makes the call for a right-handed batter, and the 3rd base umpire makes to call for a left-handed batter.)
The Major League Baseball rulebook doesn't contain an official definition for a check-swing; it is the decision of the umpire presiding. Generally, factors such as whether the bat passes the front of the plate or the batter pulls his wrists back are considered in the ruling.
A check-swing sometimes results in an unintentional swinging bunt, where the ball hits the bat and rolls a short distance, although the batter apparently stopped his swing.
Check-swinging can also be used in some warm-up exercises, such as the game pepper.