checked swing

American  

[chekt swing] / ˈtʃɛkt ˌswɪŋ /

Also check swing

noun

Baseball.

1. a swing of the bat in which the batter holds back just after starting to swing, thereby avoiding swinging into a strike.

   It looked like a checked swing to me, but the umpire called him out, saying he swung for the third strike.

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Etymology

Origin of checked swing

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; originally as half-checked swing

Example Sentences

Moments later, the right-hander was ejected for shouting at third base umpire Ramon De Jesus over an appeal ruling on Freddie Freeman’s checked swing.

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2024

But Adam Duvall popped out to first, and Travis d’Arnaud was unable to stop his bat on a 2-2 pitch, striking out on a checked swing.

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2021

Maybe first-base umpire Gabe Morales’ wrong call on Wilmer Flores’ checked swing for the game’s final out prevented the Giants from mustering another dose of sorcery in a magical season.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2021

Purists on Thursday night were quick to remind that the checked swing is determined not by where the bat ends but a more subjective “attempt to strike at the ball.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 15, 2021

The Twins also loaded the bases with no outs against Morgan in the second, but Miguel Sanó struck out and Rob Refsnyder bounced into a 1-2-3 double play on a checked swing.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2021