ball call

[kylejt]

I've found that slight turn of the head, after the "ball" call, works wonders with keeping the squawking down. Most good coaches get it, some don't.

 

To me, it beats the hand gestures ( local favorite with some guys), or barking location (which invites conversation, IMO).

 

But use what works best for you, your location, and your level of ball. There's no cookie cutter answer for this (like most things).

[johnnyg08]

To me, it beats the hand gestures ( local favorite with some guys),

 

Ouch.  They're still doing that huh?

[Codyw09]

From the DII Manual to Exceed the standard for a ball call:

 

Uses a louder voice to “sell†a ball call which is close. May spot the location of the pitch for added emphasis

 

To Meet the standard for a ball call at the DII level:

 

There is no increase in volume for close ball calls.

This was a system developed by Dan Weikle DII national coordinator.  He also uses this system for colorado hs umpire.  It works quite well IMHO. 

[BalkHawk]

I've found that slight turn of the head, after the "ball" call, works wonders with keeping the squawking down. Most good coaches get it, some don't.

To me, it beats the hand gestures ( local favorite with some guys), or barking location (which invites conversation, IMO).

Pretty sure this is what I was looking for, thank you. I definitely call a ball louder the closer it is to being a strike, but that's the most unsolicited info I like to give. I can see myself using the head-turn technique as a preemptive eye contact for the worst of grumblers.