Change in mechanics?

[BT_Blue]

I do the same strike call (swinging, non swinging, strike three) regardless of the count or the number of runners on.

Non swinging I use the hammer and have for the last couple years. I used to come up, step back and point to the side. But standing up like that and stepping back out of the GD stance started to really affect my knees. So its the hammer now and Im much happier with it than I ever was with the point.

A swinging strike does get the point (I live in LA and witnessed the Doug Eddings incident in Anaheim a couple years ago and dont EVER want to go through anything like that... EVER) but it is while still facing forward. That way I dont lose sight of the ball or the players.

Strike three called gets a lift of the right arm much like you used to see dutch rehart (sic?) do but I follow it with "pulling the string" still facing forward since it allows me to keep an eye on the DTS.

Swinging strike three just gets the normal out signal.

By the way, the only mechanic I am changing this year is actually on the bases. It is in regards to pick offs at first from B or C and not taking that "read step" forward since most of the time you do not have time to re-focus. The other is I am moving closer to F1 than I used to, especially with a lefty on the mound, so that I can concentrate on balks and get a better look at dipping the shoulder and such.

[mstaylor]

I have always worked closer to F1 than you are supposed to. I have been dinged but college guys for it but I see the pick-off better, I can just take the square off step and allows me more time to refocas on the play at first.

You do have to be quick on your feet when you work closer. I've never been hit in the infield, knock on wood, but I always stay ready.

[BT_Blue]

Oddly enough it was a D1 guy that told me to scoot up in order to see the move to first by a lefty.

[Old Nr 24]

Maybe a bit off topic, but I see several references in this thread to working on timing. I think we will all agree that's one of the biggest problems for new umpires, and in my old association's new umpire school we ran a drill that I know helped a lot of new umpires behind the plate. The drill consisted of having a pitcher and a catcher, and the student behind the plate -- blindfolded. The student's instructions were to call each pitch any way he wished, incorporating both ball and strike calls. It was a very useful tool in helping the new guys get the hang of waiting for the pitch to arrive since they made no call until they heard the sound of the ball in the mitt.

[Ump29]

I have always used the hammer for all strike calls (19+ years). This is taught in our area and is also Baseball Canada standard. The point is, however, allowed .

A caution is added to not turn away from the possible play if there is one. A dramatic third is also allowed but I personally do not.

[Dragon29]

Maybe a bit off topic, but I see several references in this thread to working on timing. I think we will all agree that's one of the biggest problems for new umpires, and in my old association's new umpire school we ran a drill that I know helped a lot of new umpires behind the plate. The drill consisted of having a pitcher and a catcher, and the student behind the plate -- blindfolded. The student's instructions were to call each pitch any way he wished, incorporating both ball and strike calls. It was a very useful tool in helping the new guys get the hang of waiting for the pitch to arrive since they made no call until they heard the sound of the ball in the mitt.

We use that same training method, but typically only for guys who don't or can't slow down when advised to. You're right though - it helps them get the feel for the timing; then they have to learn how to execute it w/o the 'fake' delay - just by using their eyes and not rush.

Of course, that method didn't work for me very well this past weekend when I was about to do it with a student, until I remembered he was mostly deaf - he got a pretty good chuckle out of me starting to explain it to him though.