Verbal and non-verbal communication on fly balls

[Pops]

Part of the pre-game for umpires usually goes something like this:

“With runners on base U2 takes all fly balls in the v, U1 takes all fly balls down the lines, U2 watches tag-ups at 1B & 2B, U1 watches tag-ups at 3Bâ€

During the game the verbal and non-verbal mechanics can break down. What is the recommended verbal and non-verbal mechanics during a fly ball with runners on base?

My biggest issue with the verbal signal for “out†or “catch†is that you have to delay the call until you are sure of the catch. However, the runners can tag-up upon the first touch of the ball, so if it’s bobbled, then caught, the runner can be off and running before the verbal call is made for the out. So the ump who is watching the runner tag-up has to be watching the catch (first touch) as well, correct? Is it best to not do a verbal call of the catch/first touch?

[noumpere]

Part of the pre-game for umpires usually goes something like this:

“With runners on base U2 takes all fly balls in the v, U1 takes all fly balls down the lines, U2 watches tag-ups at 1B & 2B, U1 watches tag-ups at 3Bâ€

During the game the verbal and non-verbal mechanics can break down. What is the recommended verbal and non-verbal mechanics during a fly ball with runners on base?

My biggest issue with the verbal signal for “out†or “catch†is that you have to delay the call until you are sure of the catch. However, the runners can tag-up upon the first touch of the ball, so if it’s bobbled, then caught, the runner can be off and running before the verbal call is made for the out. So the ump who is watching the runner tag-up has to be watching the catch (first touch) as well, correct? Is it best to not do a verbal call of the catch/first touch?

The correct mechanic is that the base umpire has all the catches until the plate umpire calls him off but yuo are right about when that should happen. The base umpire can also indicate that he has the catch my tapping his chest or tapping the top of his hat or by saying to the plate umpire I have the ball because theres plenty of time to do that.

On a routine fly thats caught you dont need a call and the umpire who is responsible for a tag up has to move to line up the runner and the fielder as best he can but being mindful of his subsaquant duties. the base umpire should almost always be able to line this up the plate umpire might have to swivel the head. Once the ball is touched yuo can look away from the fielder if you dont have the catch responsibility.

[Fittske24]

Part of the pre-game for umpires usually goes something like this:

“With runners on base U2 takes all fly balls in the v, U1 takes all fly balls down the lines, U2 watches tag-ups at 1B & 2B, U1 watches tag-ups at 3Bâ€

During the game the verbal and non-verbal mechanics can break down. What is the recommended verbal and non-verbal mechanics during a fly ball with runners on base?

My biggest issue with the verbal signal for “out†or “catch†is that you have to delay the call until you are sure of the catch. However, the runners can tag-up upon the first touch of the ball, so if it’s bobbled, then caught, the runner can be off and running before the verbal call is made for the out. So the ump who is watching the runner tag-up has to be watching the catch (first touch) as well, correct? Is it best to not do a verbal call of the catch/first touch?

It is important not to call the "catch" to quickly. Remember that it is not a catch until you have voluntary release of the ball. Remember you "Umpire order of responsability":

1. Fair/Foul
2. Catch/No-catch
3. Touches/Tags
4. Everything else

As I see it, per umpire responsibility, it is more important to stay with the ball until you can unmistakenly rule on Catch/no-catch. If you line up the catch and runner correctly you, should still be able to rule on the tag-up regardls of how long it takes the fielder to secure the catch.

[spiritump]

the ump responsible for the tag up has to watch when the ball is first touched--not the catch always but always first touch.

[Pops]

the ump responsible for the tag up has to watch when the ball is first touched--not the catch always but always first touch.

So when the ump responsible for the catch delays the call, does he verbalize it or just give the right fist for the out? Verbalizing the catch might confuse the runner and coaches and lead to some discussion after the play.

[Pops]

Part of the pre-game for umpires usually goes something like this:

“With runners on base U2 takes all fly balls in the v, U1 takes all fly balls down the lines, U2 watches tag-ups at 1B & 2B, U1 watches tag-ups at 3Bâ€

During the game the verbal and non-verbal mechanics can break down. What is the recommended verbal and non-verbal mechanics during a fly ball with runners on base?

My biggest issue with the verbal signal for “out†or “catch†is that you have to delay the call until you are sure of the catch. However, the runners can tag-up upon the first touch of the ball, so if it’s bobbled, then caught, the runner can be off and running before the verbal call is made for the out. So the ump who is watching the runner tag-up has to be watching the catch (first touch) as well, correct? Is it best to not do a verbal call of the catch/first touch?

It is important not to call the "catch" to quickly. Remember that it is not a catch until you have voluntary release of the ball. Remember you "Umpire order of responsability":

1. Fair/Foul
2. Catch/No-catch
3. Touches/Tags
4. Everything else

As I see it, per umpire responsibility, it is more important to stay with the ball until you can unmistakenly rule on Catch/no-catch. If you line up the catch and runner correctly you, should still be able to rule on the tag-up regardls of how long it takes the fielder to secure the catch.

So when the ump responsible for the catch delays the call, does he verbalize it or just give the right fist for the out?

[noumpere]

the ump responsible for the tag up has to watch when the ball is first touched--not the catch always but always first touch.

So when the ump responsible for the catch delays the call, does he verbalize it or just give the right fist for the out? Verbalizing the catch might confuse the runner and coaches and lead to some discussion after the play.

If it's routine then even the fist might not be needed. The verbal on routine balls is given by the plate umpire to the base umpire when there arent any runners to let the base umpire know the status so he doesnt need to keep watching the runner.

[Umpire in Chief]

Part of the pre-game for umpires usually goes something like this:

“With runners on base U2 takes all fly balls in the v, U1 takes all fly balls down the lines, U2 watches tag-ups at 1B & 2B, U1 watches tag-ups at 3B”

During the game the verbal and non-verbal mechanics can break down. What is the recommended verbal and non-verbal mechanics during a fly ball with runners on base?

My biggest issue with the verbal signal for “out” or “catch” is that you have to delay the call until you are sure of the catch. However, the runners can tag-up upon the first touch of the ball, so if it’s bobbled, then caught, the runner can be off and running before the verbal call is made for the out. So the ump who is watching the runner tag-up has to be watching the catch (first touch) as well, correct? Is it best to not do a verbal call of the catch/first touch?

Well each ump has their responsibility. Lets take the situation of R3 fly to center. PU will go foul far enough to line up the catch and the tag. At this point he really isn't terribly concerned with the result of the play The safe/out call is secondary and I really am not paying too much attention to my partner at this point as PU. In this situation the BU's only responsibility is the catch/no-catch and he should use the proper timing to make the call. The umps are acting pretty independent in this type situation.

[MidAmUmp]

Umpires need to line up the catch/tag. Ex: Flyball to left w/ R3 - Plate umpire moves toward 3rd base dugout to line up catch/tag. Flyball to right with R2 tagging - base umpire moves to grass/dirt line to line up catch/tag.

Anything caught above the belt does not a voice OR mechanic. Catches below the belt need a voice AND mechanic.

As far as communication between umpires go, covering umpire should simply yell to non-covering umpire, "I've got the ball!" or "I'm on the line!" as the case may be if the ball is in a gray area or a rotation is off because of fair/foul, catch/no catch responsibilities. Otherwise there's no need to communicate.

[mazzamouth]

the ump responsible for the tag up has to watch when the ball is first touched--not the catch always but always first touch.

So when the ump responsible for the catch delays the call, does he verbalize it or just give the right fist for the out? Verbalizing the catch might confuse the runner and coaches and lead to some discussion after the play.

If it is a routine catch, there is no need to say or signal anything.. the old lady with trifocals on 20 rows deep saw the catch right? so there is no need to signal...LOL

[Pops]

Thanks for all the input. Although no one covered the question in a comprehensive way, I was able to get bits and pieces from all the posts and now this mechanic is clarified in my mind. This forum is a great way to learn, even when you think you have a lot of experience on the field. Thanks.

[Umpire in Chief]

Thanks for all the input. Although no one covered the question in a comprehensive way, I was able to get bits and pieces from all the posts and now this mechanic is clarified in my mind. This forum is a great way to learn, even when you think you have a lot of experience on the field. Thanks.

Glad to help that's what we're here for.