From the MLB 2019 Rule Book:
A STRIKE is a legal pitch when so called by the umpire, which:
(b) Is not struck at, if any part of the ball passes through any part
of the strike zone;
So you're saying the "black" is not part of the strike zone?
That’s correct. The black portion of the plate was designed beveled with the intention it be mostly covered by dirt so players would not get injured sliding into it. The dimensions of Homeplate does not include the black.
If technology does take over the actual strike-zone we may never hear FP use the term “painting the black” or “paint” again.
Guess he could say the pitcher, “lazered the outer edge”!
Poll
