to mechanic or not to mechanic

[Jocko]

BU in "C". 50/70. Hard liner directly at me. It 1 hops and I can't open up, so I jump spreading my legs and cover my junk with both hands. Ball misses me by 1/2" or so. I immediately turn with the ball giving the safe mechanic to indicate it clean. I've never seen anyone else do it, but it was reflex. The question is, if it hits you you kill it. If it's clean, do you give the mechanic or just let it play?

[renegadewolf]

I find that when a base ump gets hit, it is usually pretty obvious by the loud "THUD" and a colorful variety of words that follow. I personally don't see the need for a mechanic when in essence nothing happened. This could potentially be cause for confusion were the ball fielded and a try for a double play were occouring or a fast throw to first especially if an out happend. I say just let it play

[JaxRolo]

I think the use of the mechanic is a good thing. Just makes it clear that it didn't hit you.

[Umpire in Chief]

I think the use of the mechanic is a good thing. Just makes it clear that it didn't hit you.

That would be one of my thoughts too I was working with a senior umpire not too long ago and we were talking about it is impossible to over communicate on the field.

IMO by making the mechanic you are acknowledging the potential was there, but nothing happened and preventing a potential discussion about whether it hit you or not.

[bam]

I liken this to a fair/foul call. If it hits you - "TIME!" If not, play on (and say a silent prayer for your junk)

[johnnyg08]

I think I could be in both camps here. If you're an umpire to gives the safe mechanic on a batted ball that nearly misses a runner, I think what you did there is tell everybody that it didn't hit you with a "that's nothing"

It could save a visit from a manager

[Jocko]

That was my afterthought. Like I said it was reflex. I give safe if it's close to a batter, so I guess it was instinct to do the same for myself. The good thing is my partner, a young very good umpire, learned from it. He had a similar play another day and remembering my giving the mechanic, got it right. He called me and told me about it. Just curious how others felt.