Signals (communications between partners)

[maineump]

I have been asked to make a list of signals for our HS board. I am talking about the signals used to communicate non-verbally.

Currently we use the following (the usuals)

Count, outs, IFF, time play, rotation, tag coverage at 3B, need to get together (crossed arms in front), good call (right fist to belt), staying home.

Do you have a signal for "I have info"?

Looking for any others you guys may use -

Thanks for the help

[bam]

I've used the "rubbing the ball up" mechanic.  It's a signal to my partner to "clean your SH*# up'.  It's been used on me as well. 

[maineump]

"I have info" can be as simple as observing the discussion with your hands behind your back (info) or on your hips (no info / good call).

Communication on foul tips / swinging strike 3 near the dirt is critical...these don't have to be discrete either...closed fist by BU is a foul tip or clean catch; open palm or finger pointing down means the ball hit the dirt at some point.

You can also have a "step in" gesture when an argument is occurring. I've never used it or seen it used but some guys advocate for it.

And of course, don't forget your "there's a hot chick over there" mechanics to triangulate within 3 feet where the woman in question is sitting.

Yep - we have the in the dirt signals, and we actually have a guy that has a hot chick signal. That one works against him at times, as we will give it to him (for no reason other than to mess with him) while he is on the dish and make hime look foolish looking for nothing at all.

The foul tip in the dirt is a foul ball, but the 3rd strike in the dirt gets a finger point down.

I like the 'have info'. I like the KISS method personally.

[maineump]

I've used the "rubbing the ball up" mechanic.  It's a signal to my partner to "clean your SH*# up'.  It's been used on me as well. 

That's a cool one - one that we have used for that is rubbing your thumb and index finger together - you kicked it and owe a post game beverage to your partner(s) - subtle by always gets a smile & shrug from your partner

[grayhawk]

When I have information, I simply stand where I wouldn't normally be standing.  For instance:  I'm PU and there is a pulled foot at first and BU bangs him out from C.  If I have trailed BR up the line, then I will stay there to let him know I have something.  If not, I will be hustling back to my position behind the plate.

 

Other signal that I didn't see:  Double tag situation.  R1 and R2 with less than 2 outs, I will give the IFF signal and then double tag (right fist on top of left fist and a right index finger point towards 3B to indicate that I have the play on a tagging R2 at third base.

[maineump]

When I have information, I simply stand where I wouldn't normally be standing.  For instance:  I'm PU and there is a pulled foot at first and BU bangs him out from C.  If I have trailed BR up the line, then I will stay there to let him know I have something.  If not, I will be hustling back to my position behind the plate.

 

Other signal that I didn't see:  Double tag situation.  R1 and R2 with less than 2 outs, I will give the IFF signal and then double tag (right fist on top of left fist and a right index finger point towards 3B to indicate that I have the play on a tagging R2 at third base.

I use the double tag signal, but many guys on our board feel that this is a given and doesn't need to be a board standard. I always cover that one in my pregame, I believe in giving the signal, because it reminds us both.

The pulled foot/swipe tag to help partner in C is nice and subtle.

 

All good stuff so far - I am writing these down and taking a sort of poll, to bring back. Keep 'em coming.

 

Does anyone have a list you can e-mail me as well, of what your group uses ?

[mstaylor]

As the training official I use fingers together and then apart, like pulling taffy. It is a slow down mechanic, it comes from the entertainment business, it means to stretch. I will also put my hand flat on top or bottom of my fist to show them where their zone is off. Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

[grayhawk]

Interesting. I feel like many signals are a given, but they are all great reminders in the flow of the game. Even pilots who've been flying for 30 years still use a checklist every time.

[maineump]

Interesting. I feel like many signals are a given, but they are all great reminders in the flow of the game. Even pilots who've been flying for 30 years still use a checklist every time.

I give signals on every batter or any new situation. I have had some of our 'old school' guys rate me down for "too many signals". My thought is any change of what we are doing, then we need to communicate. Basically that works out to every new batter or every base moved up by the runners.

When I go to pro games- I watch the umpires, they are 'talking' on every batter it seems. We want to be taken as professionals, we need to act it.

As the training official I use fingers together and then apart, like pulling taffy. It is a slow down mechanic, it comes from the entertainment business, it means to stretch. I will also put my hand flat on top or bottom of my fist to show them where their zone is off. Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

Very good ideas for working with new guys - thanks

[yawetag]

As plate umpire, I give signals (including outs) between each batter, a run down of mechanic changes when the situation changes (stolen base, for example), and the number of outs when it changes (caught stealing, for example).

 

The first thing I would emphasize is the PU initiates calls. The reason I've been given is that the PU has more to worry about between batters, including usually having to travel farther back to the plate. So, BU should wait on the PU to give signals.

 

That said, here are the signs I give for all the runner possibilities:

 

No one on: number of outs

R1: # of outs, "I'm covering third"

R2: # of outs, "I'm staying home", time play (if two outs)

R3: # of outs, "I'm staying home", time play (if two outs)

R1/R2: # of outs, infield fly (if less than two outs), "On tagup, I'm at third" (if less than two outs), time play (if two outs)

R1/R3: # of outs, "I'm watching home and covering third"

R2/R3: # of outs, "I'm staying home", time play (if two outs)

R1/R2/R3: # of outs, infield fly (if less than two outs), time play (if two outs)

 

As BU, I will echo an infield fly and number of outs and nod the others. I might, depending on my partner, point to R1 in a R1/R2 situation (in effect, "I've got R1 on a tagup"). Most of the time, though, I don't make too many signals as BU.

 

As others have mentioned, I will help out my partner on a D3K or foul tip/ball that's tough for him to see. If it's a catch, I do a fist with my right hand and put it up at my chest. For a drop, I'll point or put my hand down at an angle, toward the ground.

 

I can think of two others I do, but one comes with a verbal. When in A and going out, I'll say "I'm going out!" but also raise my hand as I'm turning. Also, if my partner calls me off of 3B or on half of a rundown, I point at him to acknowledge I heard him.

 

There's also the "what's the count" mechanic.

[bam]

I generally dont signal # outs. especially If I have a partner who doesn't keep an indicator on the bases.

Really, if you don't know how many outs there are, then you've got bigger problems......

[yawetag]

True, but if you don't know it's an IFF situation or you don't know what your coverage responsibilities are for runners, you've got bigger problems, too. The point of the signals isn't to teach someone. In fact, every signal I give as PU is telling my BU what I'm doing, not what he's doing.

 

The point of signals is to make sure you're on the same page. There are partners with whom I don't have to give many signals, but we still do it. Telling him how many outs is only a way to make sure we don't look stupid in a situation where we were wrong.

[noumpere]

I generally dont signal # outs. especially If I have a partner who doesn't keep an indicator on the bases.

Really, if you don't know how many outs there are, then you've got bigger problems......

It can be part of the other signal.  For example if you are rotating to third, use a fist for no outs a finger for one, two fingers for two as part of the point.  No need to signal the outs first and then the point.

 

And if you have a double tag (R1, R2, less than two outs) then its an infield fly situation so no need to do both.

[renegadewolf]

"I have info" can be as simple as observing the discussion with your hands behind your back (info) or on your hips (no info / good call).

Communication on foul tips / swinging strike 3 near the dirt is critical...these don't have to be discrete either...closed fist by BU is a foul tip or clean catch; open palm or finger pointing down means the ball hit the dirt at some point.

You can also have a "step in" gesture when an argument is occurring. I've never used it or seen it used but some guys advocate for it.

And of course, don't forget your "there's a hot chick over there" mechanics to triangulate within 3 feet where the woman in question is sitting.

When you get a little older it will be renamed the "MILF" signal.

[th3]

I was at an association meeting last night and they spoke about the field umpire coming set with his hands on his knees when the pitcher intentionally contacts the rubber - as a way of letting your partner know that F1 was engaged (as well as getting into the proper position anyway). Especially relevant after a DB and he's putting the ball back in play. Maybe this is standard, but I never really though about it. Behind the plate i sometimes find myself craning my neck to see if he has engaged yet (can tell sometimes from way back there). I though it was a pretty good mechanic/communication.

[noumpere]

I was at an association meeting last night and they spoke about the field umpire coming set with his hands on his knees when the pitcher intentionally contacts the rubber - as a way of letting your partner know that F1 was engaged (as well as getting into the proper position anyway). Especially relevant after a DB and he's putting the ball back in play. Maybe this is standard, but I never really though about it. Behind the plate i sometimes find myself craning my neck to see if he has engaged yet (can tell sometimes from way back there). I though it was a pretty good mechanic/communication.

 

yes it is standard or at least it should be.  Sometimes I forget how much is just instinckual with me now and how much I've learned and how much I sometimes just "expect" others to know it who are coming up instead of teaching them as I was taught.  I'm sure those who went before me thought the same about me at one time.

[yawetag]

It's taught here, too, but most don't do it. Personally, if the pitcher is in a position to take signs, I'll assume he's on the rubber.

[Richvee]

I've always  done this as BU, I never thought about it as giving a sign, it's just something I did out of instinct I guess. I will mention in my pregames now. ANy info PU can get helps. 

[BalkHawk]

I generally dont signal # outs. especially If I have a partner who doesn't keep an indicator on the bases.

Really, if you don't know how many outs there are, then you've got bigger problems......

yeah! Aren't you perfect?! Why do I even signal anything, ever? Can't you read minds? Next, you'll probably want me to echo you or call you off catch/no catch when you are in the middle. And another thing, if they want the plate wiped, they can damn do it!

seriously now, NONE of my partners carries an indicator on the bases.

[tldavis19]

as BU:

IFF: two fingers pointed up at the brim of my hat. to take IFF off I simply wipe my arm like I'm wiping off dirt.

What's the count?: Tap the top of your hat with your right hand

D3K: open palms toward PU arms extended toward the ground. If he caught it, same motion, but with closed fists.

w/R1: I'll return the "I've got third" signal with the same signal just pointing to first.

as PU:

w/ R1: "I've got third" point toward third like you're holding a pistol. R1/R2 "I've got the tag and the runner into third." right fist over left with right index and thumb (like a pistol) pointing to third. R1/R3 I'll give the i'm staying to watch the touch at home (i point at the ground) then I'll give "I've got third"

 

If I'm BU I'll wait for PU to give the signal and I'll acknowledge with a nod. If he forgets or what have you, then I'll give the signal myself (such as IFF)

 

This is what I do, if something's wrong, please correct me or if I missed one, I'll fill it in. If I'm right, then 

[johnnyg08]

I don't wipe the infield fly.  

 

a couple other things are different for me too.  but it sounds like you have a plan to cover what you want covered.

[Jocko]

I was at an association meeting last night and they spoke about the field umpire coming set with his hands on his knees when the pitcher intentionally contacts the rubber - as a way of letting your partner know that F1 was engaged (as well as getting into the proper position anyway). Especially relevant after a DB and he's putting the ball back in play. Maybe this is standard, but I never really though about it. Behind the plate i sometimes find myself craning my neck to see if he has engaged yet (can tell sometimes from way back there). I though it was a pretty good mechanic/communication.

I tried this today. Surprisingly, it is alot more difficult than I thought it would be. Seems pretty simple, but I had F1s on the rubber at all the wrong times. It was weird.

[johnnyg08]

I can see where somebody would want to do that, but it seems like a solution in search of a problem.  

 

I just don't think it's a necessary mechanic.

[Jocko]

I can see where somebody would want to do that, but it seems like a solution in search of a problem.   I just don't think it's a necessary mechanic.

I gave up after the 1st inning. Didn't really seem beneficial for all the thought having to go into it. Plus, it made me feel out of position at times and there were other things for me to be concentrating on.

[Richvee]

I was at an association meeting last night and they spoke about the field umpire coming set with his hands on his knees when the pitcher intentionally contacts the rubber - as a way of letting your partner know that F1 was engaged (as well as getting into the proper position anyway). Especially relevant after a DB and he's putting the ball back in play. Maybe this is standard, but I never really though about it. Behind the plate i sometimes find myself craning my neck to see if he has engaged yet (can tell sometimes from way back there). I though it was a pretty good mechanic/communication.

I tried this today. Surprisingly, it is alot more difficult than I thought it would be. Seems pretty simple, but I had F1s on the rubber at all the wrong times. It was weird.

Funny. Like I said, I feel like I've always done this just out of instinct. Maybe not. Maybe it'll be different when you're actually thinking about going to the knees when F1 engages. If the winter ever ends up here and I've got the bases I'll  know how I feel about it now that I'm paying attention to the timing of going to the knees.