Base Mechanics

[mstaylor]

I am starting this about signals on the bases. I don't want to get into the indicator/no indicator discussion, we all have an opinion and the end result is do what your local guys do.

What I am curious about is what signals do you show while working the bases. I am very lowkey when it comes to signals. I never give a count unless my partner either shows me a signal that he doesn't know or he gives me something different than what I have. I will show an IFF signal and outs. We have a series of signals the PU shows for base coverage. I rarely show anything back but will instead just nod my head.

If the PU shows me that is going to cover third in a first to third sitch, I nod. I know he's coming and he is going to announce anyway. If he doesn't give me a verbal I'm taking third, so to me the signal means nothing. The only other that I will show consistantly is both hands open and out to my sides to let him know I have everything.

Of course this is all two man, in three man you have to show more coverages.

[UmpTTS43]

While on the bases, I recipricate any signal the PU gives me. Outs, IFF, rotations, time play. This recipricaiton includes nonmistakable signals so that we are on the same page. This can be a simple as pointing to first, signaling rotation. I do not like to merely nod, that could be anything. During the pregame, we go through signals and I let partners, that I have never worked with before, that, if he is the bases, he WILL signal back. Here we also use the closed/open fist mechanic on possible D3K senarios.

[Umpire in Chief]

While on the bases, I recipricate any signal the PU gives me. Outs, IFF, rotations, time play. This recipricaiton includes nonmistakable signals so that we are on the same page. This can be a simple as pointing to first, signaling rotation. I do not like to merely nod, that could be anything. During the pregame, we go through signals and I let partners, that I have never worked with before, that, if he is the bases, he WILL signal back. Here we also use the closed/open fist mechanic on possible D3K senarios.

Ditto

[jim knight]

While on the bases, I recipricate any signal the PU gives me. Outs, IFF, rotations, time play. This recipricaiton includes nonmistakable signals so that we are on the same page. This can be a simple as pointing to first, signaling rotation. I do not like to merely nod, that could be anything. During the pregame, we go through signals and I let partners, that I have never worked with before, that, if he is the bases, he WILL signal back. Here we also use the closed/open fist mechanic on possible D3K senarios.

Ditto as well...

[LMSANS]

While on the bases, I recipricate any signal the PU gives me. Outs, IFF, rotations, time play. This recipricaiton includes nonmistakable signals so that we are on the same page. This can be a simple as pointing to first, signaling rotation. I do not like to merely nod, that could be anything. During the pregame, we go through signals and I let partners, that I have never worked with before, that, if he is the bases, he WILL signal back. Here we also use the closed/open fist mechanic on possible D3K senarios.

Dotto

[BrianC14]

Dotto

Lotto? Blotto? :wow:

[LMSANS]

Lotto? Blotto?

Sometimes I like to be different.:wow:

[BrianC14]

Sometimes I like to be different.

:)

[mstaylor]

I used to work with a guy that looked like he was flagging planes on an aircraft carrier.

[Umpire in Chief]

I used to work with a guy that looked like he was flagging planes on an aircraft carrier.

I got hit on an eval a few years back and accused of doing this. Just make eye contact give your subtle signal no one should notice this.

[okump96]

I got hit on an eval a few years back and accused of doing this. Just make eye contact give your subtle signal no one should notice this.

and i got hit for not making my signals big enough. eval said i need to make them big enough so they can be seen from the stands in case someone is watching me. so now everytime i work with that same partner we make fun of it and could probably land a 747 on home plate.

[mstaylor]

Why would you care if somebody in the stands can see it or not. I thought the reason for signals was to ensure the umpires on the field know what everybody is doing or what the sitch is.

The evaluator should be able to reconize your signals. Damn!

[jim knight]

When evaluating I like clear simple partner to partner signals at the right time for the situation... more important is that if a plate guy signals that he is going to third with runner on first... HE GOES / or a time play is properly cummunicated... it is nice to see the plate guy line up the touch... etc, etc... not a big fan of the nod. my .02 cents

[BrianC14]

When evaluating I like clear simple partner to partner signals at the right time for the situation... more important is that if a plate guy signals that he is going to third with runner on first... HE GOES / or a time play is properly cummunicated... it is nice to see the plate guy line up the touch... etc, etc... not a big fan of the nod. my .02 cents

Agreed. Out my way, we're taught that UIC (the dish man) initiates the signal. It's not a criminal offense if he forgets and the base man starts it, but the general rule of thumb is for UIC to run the rotation sign, time play, IFF and the like. And yes, if UIC signals that he's going to rotate up to 3B, then he'd better be there. The only response I typically give is a quick couple of soft claps of the hands to acknowledge that I understand.

Some guys get a little nutty with signals, though... "catch/no-catch, tag up there, etc." That's pretty basic mechanics when you're working the 'V' - if a base guy doesn't know that, then there's more wrong than a few signals can help.

[Dragon29]

While on the bases, I recipricate any signal the PU gives me. Outs, IFF, rotations, time play. This recipricaiton includes nonmistakable signals so that we are on the same page. This can be a simple as pointing to first, signaling rotation. I do not like to merely nod, that could be anything. During the pregame, we go through signals and I let partners, that I have never worked with before, that, if he is the bases, he WILL signal back. Here we also use the closed/open fist mechanic on possible D3K senarios.

Ditto - with minor exceptions.

I often train less experienced umpires for our local LL so it's not uncommon for me to work with them. When I do, I feel I can evaluate them better if I work the bases and they take the plate. While I will wait to see if/when they signal and reciprocate as others have indicated, there are times when I need to inititate the signaling.

it's basically like saying, "Here's the signal you should have given me in this situation."

[okump96]

Why would you care if somebody in the stands can see it or not. I thought the reason for signals was to ensure the umpires on the field know what everybody is doing or what the sitch is.

The evaluator should be able to reconize your signals. Damn!

that was exactly my question for him. he said that an evaluator needs to be able to see if i am giving the proper signals at the proper time. imo he was just being a butthead. that was the only thing he had for either of us that day.

[mstaylor]

All you can do is ask and then say OOOOOKKKKKK! The whole time thinking . As we always say in our clinics, we offer a standard we have learned. Individual comments are just that. Take all comments, keep what works for you and throw out the rest.

I went to a clinic years ago in NC and both cage guys were scissor guys. I thought I was in Heaven because that's what I am. The problem was one guy wanted you to place your front foot and slide you back foot into position. The other wanted you to stand further back and step into your stance with your front foot. I did it according to each instructor but onlt kept one method.

[Rags11]

I got hit on an eval a few years back and accused of doing this. Just make eye contact give your subtle signal no one should notice this.

In these parts, both umpires are expected to signal, and no aircraft should be on the field:p

[BrianC14]

that was exactly my question for him. he said that an evaluator needs to be able to see if i am giving the proper signals at the proper time. imo he was just being a butthead. Who could disagree with that? that was the only thing he had for either of us that day.

Gosh, here's a concept for you evaluators -- - GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTT AND MOVE TO DIFFERENT POSITIONS AROUND THE FIELD. B)

[BrianC14]

In these parts, both umpires are expected to signal, and no aircraft should be on the field:p

Weren't you ever a Boy Scout?

Always be prepared...

B)

[Rags11]

Weren't you ever a Boy Scout?

Always be prepared...

Well, I stand corrected!

Actually, I stand about 5'7, but....B)

[BlueInVA]

While on the bases, I recipricate any signal the PU gives me. Outs, IFF, rotations, time play. This recipricaiton includes nonmistakable signals so that we are on the same page. This can be a simple as pointing to first, signaling rotation. I do not like to merely nod, that could be anything. During the pregame, we go through signals and I let partners, that I have never worked with before, that, if he is the bases, he WILL signal back. Here we also use the closed/open fist mechanic on possible D3K senarios.

Ditto B)

[ncump7]

In our association, we are expected to signal back when the UIC give us one. They are supposed to be subtle and not draw attention to us. If I have some information for my partner, after a play such as a tag at the plate, I will simply stare at him. That way, if the coach has a question, my partner knows I saw something he did not. (Also, no one else can pick up on this signal) Whether he comes to me or not is up to him.

Bob