Change in mechanics?

[Kyle_Stevens]

Since the new season is now on the horizon, will any of you be changing any mechanics? Specifically, at home plate. Are there any thoughts of going from the point strike mechanic to the hammer? Change in the strike three mechanic?

I am a pointer. I have thought about the hammer and just can't bring myself to implement it. I don't think I am comfortable with it, yet. From what I have seen on tv, there are more and more umpires in the professional and NCAA ranks who are using it and I believe it will be the norm in a short time.

During the fall I changed my stance behind the plate, with the help of the fine posters here, and changed my strike three mechanic to something a little more compact.

Timing is always a key focus point for me. SLOW DOWN is what I tell myself for the first few weeks after a long break. See it, replay it, make the call.

[Umpire in Chief]

I am going to concentrate on:

• The positioning of my feet when at the plate
  
• Keeping my back straighter when I go down for the pitch
  
• Reading the ball better off the bat
  
• On pick off attempts from B or C doing a two step move. Ex. R1 with a pick off attempt 1st step towards the 45' mark with my left foot, then opening the gate, rather than just opening the gate.
  

I'm sure I'll come up with more as the season begins.

[Stan W.]

This list often times looks like my New Years resolution list..........the same things keep coming up year after year......

I am focusing on:

Physical Fitness- I am coming of an age where I have to work harder to stay where I am rather fall further away.....

Timing..........Timing........(wait for it)........Timing

Focus- When I look into my game journal in the comments section, I still see way to many "must keep focus" comments........cant let "bad baseball" get me off my game....

Mechanics- more CCA mechanics study..........

[mstaylor]

As I've said many times, I'm old school so I am a scissor guy and a pointer. However, I do do a modified hammer on swinging third strikes and outs at bases. When I say modified I mean it is slightly in front of me instead of the pro school bang the door hammer. I sprained my knee this winter so I don't know if I will have modify my plate stance.

[catoblue]

I was thinking of going from the point to the hammer on called strikes - just because the hammer is in front and should help with keeping my eyes front on the call. With the point, I always have to think about "eyes front" so I don't turn my head to the side. I'd rather use a mechanic the I don't have to think about so I can do more of the focus, focus, focus thing already mentioned.

[PeteBooth]

Since the new season is now on the horizon, will any of you be changing any mechanics? Specifically, at home plate. Are there any thoughts of going from the point strike mechanic to the hammer?

The pointing or the Hammer is IMO a matter of style

The BIG change in mechanics at least in FED is the following:

Sitch: R2 1 out

Ground ball to F6 who throws to F3 to retire the BR. As soon as F6 releases the ball R2 takes off for third

Whose call is it?

In the past at least in FED mechanics the PU was responsible for the SECOND play at third base.

I believe CCA mechanics changed several years ago regarding this coverage and in CCA mechanics the BU has BOTH calls.

FED now is in line with CCA mechanics on this play meaning the BU should take both calls. The PU is to watch for the pulled foot / swipe tag and be ready in case F3 overthrows the ball to F5 and R2 heads for home.

As with most mechanic changes make certain you KNOW your partner because from my experience the "old dogs" will do whatever they wish.

Pete Booth

[Umpire in Chief]

Sitch: R2 1 out

Ground ball to F6 who throws to F3 to retire the BR. As soon as F6 releases the ball R2 takes off for third

Whose call is it?

This is also a great opportunity to improve your communication by yelling "Behind you!" so your partner won't lapse into forgetting to get in position to make the potential call at 3rd or over commit to the easy play at first for the possible banger at 3rd.

[Kyle_Stevens]

FED now is in line with CCA mechanics on this play meaning the BU should take both calls. The PU is to watch for the pulled foot / swipe tag and be ready in case F3 overthrows the ball to F5 and R2 heads for home.

Pete Booth

With the BU taking both plays at 1st and 3rd and PU watching for pulled foot/ swipe tag, who has OBS/INT between 2nd and 3rd? Is this something that the PU will keep an eye on with peripheral vision? Also, does the PU stay around the plate, maybe move towards F1 a few steps?

[InDaZone]

Since the new season is now on the horizon, will any of you be changing any mechanics? Specifically, at home plate.

I'm thinking of adding a spin move to my K3 mechanic.

(just kidding)

I actually just about hate all my mechanics. Probably because I never really settled on anything in my vast 2 years experience (and not that many games really). I'll be attending some clinics this spring (ASA and LL) and try to force myself to really go back to basics, forget about trying to emulate the MLB guys for now.

Positioning will be a focus and communication with my partner once I start doing more games.

I think I'm pretty steady behind the plate, but when working alone I tend to be moving on plays at the bases (probably trying to get closer, instead of remembering 'angle over distance')

-I'll be looking for some feedback. That's kinda like a change in mechanics since i've had NONE so far.

Once I get more comfortable, I might add the moonwalk to my 'out' mechanic on a banger at first.

-Zone

[MCLEOD36]

Timing is the key and patience. I like the point, and just keep my head closer to the front and not turn, I worry about hitting a catcher on the hammer.

HS/FED is focusing on BU, yes making all base calls from C position and PU looks at the pulled foot or over throw at first. Another emphasis point will be wind up (balks) if the non-pivot foot is in front of the pitching plate line or one foot in front of the other.

[PeteBooth]

With the BU taking both plays at 1st and 3rd and PU watching for pulled foot/ swipe tag, who has OBS/INT between 2nd and 3rd? Is this something that the PU will keep an eye on with peripheral vision? Also, does the PU stay around the plate, maybe move towards F1 a few steps?

The PU does what he normally does on a play at first base meaning gets out from behind the plate towards the working area up the first base line (not to far) so he has a good angle of the pulled foot swipe tag.

if the ball from F3 to F5 is overthrown and R3 breaks for the plate, the PU has plenty of time to get back into position to make the call at the plate.

As for OBS / INT any umpire can call it, but the PU would have the best view since the BU once F6 releases the ball is ready to make the call at first base.

IMO, the PU can see if R2 is obstructed by F6 and also be in position in case there is a pulled foot / swipe tag.

NOTE: The pulled foot / swipe tag should not be used as a "crutch" for the BU. the BU should do his best to get in proper position. If the BU is constantly pointing to the PU on plays involving a pulled foot / swipe tag then he needs to work on his mechanics.

Pete Booth

[okump96]

i used to turn and point towards dugout, but had a college assigner tell not to point towards the dugout cause you WILL come across a smart a$$ coach who keeps screaming at you to quit pointing at him. so i started pointing towards the 1st base coach until this summer. was working a tourney and forced myself to go with the hammer was suprised at how comfortable i felt, ended up worknig 3 more tourneys and several mens league games using it and will keep using it.

[Rags11]

Last year, from mid-March through June I was a "pointer." For most of the previous seven years, I'd been a hammer guy. I never really got comfortable, and was back at the hammer for the summer and fall.

As far as hitting the catcher with your hammer, you may be too close or you aren't rising from your stance. I'm 5'7, and even with the tallest of catchers in a men's league, it usually isn't an issue.

I've never been crazy about turning my head or body away from the field, particularly in a 2 man crew.

Whatever works (and keeps your assigner/evaluators happy!)

AR

[Majordave]

I began my career with pointing. I thought I looked okay. One partner of mine, a board member in my HS group, kept asking me to try and hammer strikes even though he pointed. He said it would make me look more authoritative and smooth out a wrinkle or two. Then two minor league ump friends of mine saw me work last March and they suggested the hammer. Since I now had "professional help" we worked out the kinks at 1:30 am in the parking lot of a Buffalo Wild Wings after their game. The next night and for the next few games I had a run of big-time HS games with ranked teams and weekend tourneys. All plate jobs went exceedingly well and I felt like I was "in a zone" with my mechanics and judgment. I had a lot of great games and lots of less than two hour contests.

I still keep the point for swinging strikes and, fortunately, I am able to point without looking at my right hand/finger. After the change in mechanics my evals went through the roof and I was able to ride the wave into the post season and was awarded a District Championship plate with a 4 man crew. All of my partners in that game having previously worked the State tournament. One of them was the plate umpire for 2007 International Little League Championship game in Williamsport, PA as well. We all went on to Regionals as well. I got four games and two plates.

therefore, I highly recommend developing the hammer- out front and slightly to the right above the catcher's right shoulder. Hammer down like you are nailing the last nail in the coffin with your right fist.

I think it looks even better on taller umpires. Sort of a "don't eff with me" position of authority stance.

The hammer worked/works for me. Your mileage may vary.

[mstaylor]

That's funny Dave, I do the opposite. I point on all strikes except the third strike. I pull the string on called third strike and hammer a swinging third strike. It's slow but still authoratative.

[Majordave]

dirt, I mean , me? (grin) I think all umpires over 40 like the point. That is the umpire strike mechanic we grew up with.

I kept the point for swinging strikes to avoid the Doug Eddings dropped/swinging third strike confusion from years ago.

I noticed that Rob Drake uses the same hammer-called and point-swinging mechanics while I was watching a Cubs game this summer on TV. I had never seen him work before. To be honest I had never heard of him until he had his blog and forum last winter. I developed the plate mechanic I use now mostly on my own other than the hammer was tweaked and critiqued by my MiLB buddies and another Wendelstedt graduate who did not make PBUC last year.

On called third strikes I still hammer down (verbalize a little louder-Strike!) just like the other two then step back and punch forward with my left hand in a fist and pull back and keep the right fist at chest level (verbalize Threeeee!). I look like an old time prizefighter, John L. Sullivan style fully erect with both fists in front of me, left out further than the right. Like you I do it slow and deliberate. Sometimes the batter on 3-2 count will even be out of the box on his way to first when I drop the hammer. I think some guys believe they can talk us into balling it and letting them have first. Not me, bucko!

On swinging/dropped third strikes I point and in low voice verbalize strike three and reserve the out hammer (way above my head like a routine out at first-umpire school method) until there is a tag by catcher or batter vacates box and dirt circle on way to bench.

If there is a dropped third strike with a run and throw to first, I let the base umpire handle the call and I look for running lane violations and pulled foot/swipe tag from the area in front of the plate while standing on the first base line.

Works for me.

[Umpire in Chief]

I'm pretty boaring, I just hammer. Called 3rd strikes I pull the chain.

[mstaylor]

dirt, I mean , me? (grin) I think all umpires over 40 like the point. That is the umpire strike mechanic we grew up with.

I kept the point for swinging strikes to avoid the Doug Eddings dropped/swinging third strike confusion from years ago.

I noticed that Rob Drake uses the same hammer-called and point-swinging mechanics while I was watching a Cubs game this summer on TV. I had never seen him work before. To be honest I had never heard of him until he had his blog and forum last winter. I developed the plate mechanic I use now mostly on my own other than the hammer was tweaked and critiqued by my MiLB buddies and another Wendelstedt graduate who did not make PBUC last year.

On called third strikes I still hammer down (verbalize a little louder-Strike!) just like the other two then step back and punch forward with my left hand in a fist and pull back and keep the right fist at chest level (verbalize Threeeee!). I look like an old time prizefighter, John L. Sullivan style fully erect with both fists in front of me, left out further than the right. Like you I do it slow and deliberate. Sometimes the batter on 3-2 count will even be out of the box on his way to first when I drop the hammer. I think some guys believe they can talk us into balling it and letting them have first. Not me, bucko!

On swinging/dropped third strikes I point and in low voice verbalize strike three and reserve the out hammer (way above my head like a routine out at first-umpire school method) until there is a tag by catcher or batter vacates box and dirt circle on way to bench.

If there is a dropped third strike with a run and throw to first, I let the base umpire handle the call and I look for running lane violations and pulled foot/swipe tag from the area in front of the plate while standing on the first base line.

Works for me.

Yeah, I stand back there with my cane and point on strikes.

I may not be understanding what you are saying but on DTS, I announce the out and watch the action. If it's where is allowed to run, I don't say anything, hammer the strike and show safe. If they tag him in the imediate area of the plate, I call it, if he gets up the line it belongs to the BU.

[UmpJM]

I do pretty much the same as Michael Taylor (with one, I think significant) exception.

I actually thought about whether to use a hammer or a point before I ever got behind the plate - and I decided on the point.

The primary reason is because of thrid strike not caught situations - because of the potential ambiguity between the call of a strike and an out; I thought this before the Doug Eddings play, though I do find that play probative.

Or, maybe it's just because I'm over 40 and think it looks cool!

On a strike 3 on which the batter is out, if it's swinging I will hammer the out; if it's "called" I "pull the chainsaw" at about chest level and also say "strike 3!".

Whether it's swinging or looking and the batter becomes a runner, I point the strike (I think I tend to "hold the point" for some time). If it isn't obvious to the batter and/or catcher that I judged the ball not caught, I will verbalize "no catch!". (That's the part I thought was different from MST.)

Similarly, if a batter attempts to run to 1B when he has not become a runner, if there is any question as to whether the catcher legally caught the pitch, I will verbalize "That's a catch!".

Also, if the batter does start advancing to 1B, in addition to the things mentioned by others, I would (as PU) take a tag on the BR up to the running lane, say if the catcher is chasing him up the line. (I think I learned that last part, but I could just be making it up. After all, I am over 40.)

JM

[Kyle_Stevens]

I point to first base on called strike, hammer on swinging strike three, and like Majordave, on called third strike, fighter stance, with a quick pull with my right fist to my chest with an authoritative voice, "THREE". It is short, sweet, and compact. That is one thing I have changed. I used to have a long pull the chain action.

One thing I need to work on is the swinging/dropped third strike. I say 'THREE' with a semi-hammer and might point down to let everyone know it is on the ground. If it si questioned whether it is caught I will say 'That's a catch!' Something to that effect. I am looking for pointers on this. I think I need to be consistent on what I do.

[mstaylor]

If it is strike three, you have to make sure your timing is such that you know whether it is a dropped third strike or not. If first base is occupied and less than two outs, it makes no difference except you want to announce the batter is out. This is the only time you actually want call a batter out. If it is a case where it is a DTS and he can advance then you never want to pull a strike three mechanic. You want to show the strike, then show a safe signal to let everyone know it's live. This is why it is so important to have good timing.

If you get blocked it is a good idea to have your BU show an open hand/closed hand for catch/no catch. This something I am trying to get myself to do on the bases. It hasn't become a muscle memory thing yet.

[dash_riprock]

If it is a case where it is a DTS and he can advance then you never want to pull a strike three mechanic. You want to show the strike, then show a safe signal to let everyone know it's live.

I will also give a verbal "no catch." B/R and F2 are the ones that need to know the pitch was not caught, and they are both in front of me. Also, if I ball a check swing on X-2 count (when B/R can advance on a DTS), I will immediately go to my partner for help on the swing without being asked.

[mstaylor]

Good point on the appeal, I forgot that one.

[LMSANS]

I have alwasy done the hammer...to the side. When I was at the JEA Liberty Classic, they said that was fine. My called third strike is basically the same with a slightly stronger vocal.

On DTS, I will call the strike and follow with a safe signal.

[bniu]

I've done softball for quite a while now and I still don't understand why they insist on using the hammer. I'm quite young (22) but i'm sort of old school and would switch over to the point strike in a heartbeat. I find it unnecessary to actually turn (Bruce Froemming, early Tim McClelland), and definitely on the possible DTS, the point is crystal clear that it is strike three and since the point leads into the chainsaw, if i get a called DTS, i can just do the point, whereas on a possible DTS where i know it's caught, the point can be used to indicate strike and then the hammer will indicate out. I don't know why more ppl prefer the hammer, I've always preferred the point, i think it's umambiguous, authoritative, and crystal clear as to what is being called. Save the hammer for outs.

And btw, what are some common called Strike Three mechanisms out there? I do the point + chainsaw (or bow and arrow) with a turn to the side when no runners are on or when the strikeout is the 3rd out and a much more compact facing out front punchout when runners are on base with none or 1 out. Anything creative that ya'll do?