Mechanics

[Guest Azcard]

What is the thought on indicating balls. Calling or signaling high,low,inside, outside. 

[blue23ll]

I have found that by calling the location of close pitches, the 'where was that' chirping virtually stops

 

[MDFinny]

Never never never!

Only if asked by the head coach and don't let them do it often.

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[JonnyCat]

There has been much debate on this subject over the years both here on UE and other forums.

Some will say don't do it, others will say do it on close pitches.

I'm in neither camp. I typically don't say location, but on rare occasion I will say it, usually on in and out pitches that the catcher sets up inside or outside and sticks that pitch. Most of the time people can't see in or out. Some people believe that more experienced umpires at higher levels can get away with saying location. I don't know.

I don't think there is any right or wrong answer, do what works for you in your games. Or do what your assignor or association wants. Pay attention to the better umpires you work with and see how they call their games.

I can tell you what not to do, though. Don't broadcast location on every pitch that is a ball. IMO, if you do broadcast it, save it for those really close pitches. 

[umpstu]

1 hour ago, JonnyCat said:

There has been much debate on this subject over the years both here on UE and other forums.

Some will say don't do it, others will say do it on close pitches.

I'm in neither camp. I typically don't say location, but on rare occasion I will say it, usually on in and out pitches that the catcher sets up inside or outside and sticks that pitch. Most of the time people can't see in or out. Some people believe that more experienced umpires at higher levels can get away with saying location. I don't know.

I don't think there is any right or wrong answer, do what works for you in your games. Or do what your assignor or association wants. Pay attention to the better umpires you work with and see how they call their games.

I can tell you what not to do, though. Don't broadcast location on every pitch that is a ball. IMO, if you do broadcast it, save it for those really close pitches. 

And never say high or low.  You can't get away with that because high and low are visible from the dugouts. They can't see in and out. But like Johnny cat says, save those in and outs for close pitches, not all the time.  And I will not change the volume of my voice on a called ball that might be close.  If you need to raise the volume to call a ball then just call strike and sell it. 

[SeeingEyeDog]

The answer is...it's situational. The important part is...whatever "rules" you set for yourself about when and how you do this? Be consistent about it. Then, it just becomes understood that that is how you personally administer a baseball game. If you vary how you do this, it erodes your credibility. It shouldn't and it sucks that it does...but, it does.

~Dawg

[The Man in Blue]

Only do this when the pitcher air-mails one.  Then you can announce “Just a bit outside!” OR “He hit the Bull mascot … twice.”

[MadMax]

Signal? As in, use hands and/or gesture? 
Never. 

Call Balls and/or location? 
All the time (except the backstop/mascot-impacting runaway pitches, or the cricket bowls). 

I’ve actually gotten substantial and repeated feedback from players and coaches – professional and amateur alike – who favor and appreciate how I do this so transparently. I also verbally define (to the batter and catcher) the bottom, top, inner edge, and outer edge of the zone, as well as the sporadic “that one hooked the corner”. Because I’m consistently, quietly calling in this way, I rarely, if ever, have to answer the “Where’d that miss, Max (or Six)?”; the F2 often pre-empts me in answering. 

By denoting the boundaries of the zone, batters are less incredulous and confrontational, too. Catchers tend to “fish and drag” less. As soon as I vocalize “AIKE!… that’s the bottom,” I’ve noticed less catchers try to fish – bounce the mitt and bring it back up – much less, or try to drag the pitch back over the plate. Once I call the edge, they realize they’re going to have better results if they stick the mitt placement instead of trying to pull back to within the zone. 

[834k3r]

Just once, I wish I'd have a catcher tell his coach where a pitch missed instead of him looking at the dugout and shrugging his shoulders.

[Velho]

18 minutes ago, 834k3r said:

Just once, I wish I'd have a catcher tell his coach where a pitch missed instead of him looking at the dugout and shrugging his shoulders.

Coach: 'Johnny, was that outside?'

PU to F2: 'It was. Tell him.'

F2: 'Yep, coach'

Coach: hurumph 'OK'

Old UIC of mine taught me that one.

[834k3r]

10 minutes ago, Velho said:

Coach: 'Johnny, was that outside?'

PU to F2: 'It was. Tell him.'

F2: 'Yep, coach'

Coach: hurumph 'OK'

Old UIC of mine taught me that one.

The ones that get me:

Coach:  "Johnny, where did that miss?"

As I tell F2 where it missed (usually inside or outside), he's already shrugging his shoulders.

[ArchAngel72]

staying down.. "Ball"  in my most Bass voice I can muster

Coach " where was that"

Me "Apparently not in the zone"

 

 

 

 

I kid..

 

Me " Coach that one was inside but this is the only time I am talking balls and strikes to you, I hope you understand "

 

[Tborze]

1 hour ago, 834k3r said:

Just once, I wish I'd have a catcher tell his coach where a pitch missed instead of him looking at the dugout and shrugging his shoulders.

Kick him in the a$$ 

[Aging_Arbiter]

On 5/7/2023 at 2:15 PM, Guest Azcard said:

What is the thought on indicating balls. Calling or signaling high,low,inside, outside. 

Well, I can honestly say, I've never called "Strike!  Right down the middle!"

 

😁

[SeeingEyeDog]

Also unacceptable...

Me (on a close pitch): Ball

Coach (to F2): Jimmy! Where was that?

Jimmy loudly and annoyed: Yup! It was in there, Coach!

Me: TIME! (strolls out to the front of the plate, brushes off plate that doesn't need brushing...)

Also me, just loud enough for Jimmy: Regardless of where you think that was, Jimmy...I respectfully request you tell him why I called that a ball...

~Dawg

[mac266]

When I work high school baseball, the association does not want me to spot the pitches.  When I work junior college, the association (a different association) says it's good game management.  Do whatever your assignor wants.