What is the proper mechanic

[jjskitours]

When there is a situation such as runner getting hit by a batted ball or insignificant contact between a fielder and a runner, but ball remains live, should the umpire give a signal (and / or verbalize) to indicate "play on" or "I have nothing" or is it better to simply do nothing. 

[alex7]

Saying "that's nothing" and giving a safe mechanic is usually correct and helpful.

[Mike Prince]

I either do nothing or verbalize "That's nothing" depending on specific situation.  Sometimes doing nothing at all makes you appear that you either weren't watching or you are watching but do not know what to do.

[Jocko]

point at it and verbalize to indicate that you saw what the coach is bound to come out and discuss with you. A safe mech may be warranted and appropriate. I give the safe mech and verbal "thats clean" when a batted ball comes in close proximity to a baserunner.

[blue23ll]

I give the 'that's nothing'/'safe' signal, and generally do not verbalize. The key is to let everyone know you saw "it" whatever "it" might be.

[FlaUmp22]

When there is a situation such as runner getting hit by a batted ball or insignificant contact between a fielder and a runner, but ball remains live, should the umpire give a signal (and / or verbalize) to indicate "play on" or "I have nothing" or is it better to simply do nothing.

Answer their questions before they are asked... Doing nothing may give them the idea you didn't see what just happened

[ricka56]

Doing nothing may give the impression that you missed something,

but "that's nothing" is an unusual mechanic for players/coaches to hear.

I'll bet 99% of them never heard it before...WTF did the umpire say?

 

I say, "That's nothing, PLAY ON" to try to avoid confusion.

[mrumpiresir]

point at it and verbalize to indicate that you saw what the coach is bound to come out and discuss with you. A safe mech may be warranted and appropriate. I give the safe mech and verbal "thats clean" when a batted ball comes in close proximity to a baserunner.

I wouldn't point in a situation where you have nothing and want to keep the ball live.  I seem to remember that when you point, you have something definite such as interference or a tag.  This was followed by signaling the out.  So if I have no interference, I wouldn't point. Just loudly say "that's nothing" while signaling safe.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[baseballfan]

PBUC teaches to verbalize "That's nothing!" while giving a safe mechanic

[wingman3110]

PBUC teaches to verbalize "That's nothing!" while giving a safe mechanic

Bingo

[BigSimonia]

 

point at it and verbalize to indicate that you saw what the coach is bound to come out and discuss with you. A safe mech may be warranted and appropriate. I give the safe mech and verbal "thats clean" when a batted ball comes in close proximity to a baserunner.

I wouldn't point in a situation where you have nothing and want to keep the ball live.  I seem to remember that when you point, you have something definite such as interference or a tag.  This was followed by signaling the out.  So if I have no interference, I wouldn't point. Just loudly say "that's nothing" while signaling safe.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

I point while giving the Safe mechanic so that everyone knows what I'm referring to when I say "That's Nothing" - but feel free to correct me

[JaxRolo]

I think it's kinda ironic how we say "that's nothing" when there is actually "something" but it means nothing.

[ricka56]

I think it's kinda ironic how we say "that's nothing" when there is actually "something" but it means nothing.

I love irony (except when it bites me in the arse, of course)...some of my favorites:

 

If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you...

...but if you really make them think, they'll hate you.  - Don Marquis

 

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are to be punished...

...unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.â€. - Voltaire

 

[mrumpiresir]

 

 

point at it and verbalize to indicate that you saw what the coach is bound to come out and discuss with you. A safe mech may be warranted and appropriate. I give the safe mech and verbal "thats clean" when a batted ball comes in close proximity to a baserunner.

I wouldn't point in a situation where you have nothing and want to keep the ball live.  I seem to remember that when you point, you have something definite such as interference or a tag.  This was followed by signaling the out.  So if I have no interference, I wouldn't point. Just loudly say "that's nothing" while signaling safe.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

I point while giving the Safe mechanic so that everyone knows what I'm referring to when I say "That's Nothing" - but feel free to correct me

 

I'm thinking that everyone in the ballpark is watching the playing action and will be looking for a ruling on a swipe tag or interference or obstruction etc. So I don't think you have to point.  Just make a signal.

 

I usually point if there is an attempted tag play and and the runner is out.  I'm pointing at the tag itself.  Or if the ball is dropped on a similar play I will point at the ball while announcing "The ball is on the ground" then signal safe.

 

Right or wrong, this is how I do it.  It just makes sense to me.