how often do you say "play"

[mstaylor]

The problem with just pointing is the BU should be watching the pitcher and needs the verbal to know when the ball is in play. If he has to watch for your point, he then needs to move his eyes to the pitcher who may already making a move. Then he misses the pick-off because he was late getting to the pitcher, making him late to the throw.

[LeoDev]

I am striving to ALWAYS to say "PLAY" and point to the pitcher, even if there are no runners. Today, while doing 6 games in a tournament, I know that I missed at least 3.

[jjb]

Yeah I'm with you. I try to do it as much as possible so when I'm with a partner I don't burn him. But there's some cases where they're ready before I can say play..

The problem is, Nate that, if they're ready before you can say Play, that you're not ready, and have to "catch up." Have 'em wait for you, as well..

[ump43]

Quick question why would you put the ball back in play at the begining off every half innings?

[someoneinca]

Just because it's the proper mechanic and it lets everyone know that play has begun in that inning. It also lets the pitcher know when he can start pitching and lets you make sure everyone is ready and the offense has their base coaches in position

[UmpJM]

Quick question why would you put the ball back in play at the begining off every half innings?

ump43,

Because the ball is dead.

JM

[Nate]

I do it every time the ball is considered dead, whether there's runners on the bases or not. I've a stickler when it comes to pitcher waiting for me to put the ball in play. It's a safety issue for me, the catcher and the batter.

[MCLEOD36]

While some will go, saying play and pointing is redundant. I just feel it is a very good mechanic and must be done..

[willv28]

I still forget from time to time. Usually it's after a lazy obvious foul balls. I need to remember it.

[LLUmp35]

Every time there is a dead ball situation, I clearly put the ball back in play. Just this past weekend I had a play in the state tournament that showed why I do it. After a foul ball, the pitcher took the mound but the batter and catcher were not in their spots. He attempted and did pick off the runner and I immediately killed the play. I didn't get a complaint from either side because I had verbally put the ball in play every time during the game.

[Bigdog]

Hey all,

After every dead ball, I will point the ball back in play. I will verbalize it if I feel it is necessary.

Bigdog:cool:

[Don in Washington]

At the '08 LLWR JRBB tournament, I was asked why I said "play" and point after every dead ball. It caught me off guard. Of the 8 umpires on the crew, 6 said they put the ball back in play, while 2 said "no need to, it's implied".

When you have umpires you haven't worked with at all, why would you place the base umpires in a position of uncertainty on a pick off or attempted steal if they can't tell when the ball is live.

Surprisingly these 2 also work small college BB as well as LL.

Don

[mstaylor]

The two would be wrong. If there are no runners, then pointing is fine. With runners it is imperitive to verbalize play so the pitcher, runner and BU knows when it is play. I was working a NABF ER wooden bat this week-end and I had that situation. Foul ball, ball thrown back to the pitcher, who works quickly, and he tries to pick the runner at first. Because my plate umpire puts the ball in play everytime I knew the ball was dead. He throws over and I simply said, "The ball is dead gentlemen."

[kylejt]

Michael has it spot on.

No need for the robotic "PLAY!" with no runners on. Let the situation dictate how and when you say it. Always point, but call it when needed.

If you're just starting out, say it a lot. As you learn, you'll know when you need to.

If you're watching the LL games in TV, you're going to see a lot of "by the book", robot calls. They're all trying to impress the evaluators to get the next big plate. It's rare to see a guy with confidence, calling his own game.

It is what it is.

[nolanadair]

I always do it at the start of every half inning. After every floul ball you need to do it. This becomes important when you do umpiring at levels where the runners can lead off. Because if you dont put the ball in play and their is a pick off, then theoretically the umpire base umpire can make no call on that play because the ball has not been put back into play.

I always do it after time has been called (i.e. pitching visit).

[BT_Blue]

I like to say that I remember to put it the ball back in play ALL the time. However there are times that it just skips my mind. Thankfully nothing has happened in those times that I forget.

I have found that the times I do forget its usually with no one on and the batter just hit a foul ball and I put a new ball in play. I realize that its something that I should work on, and I try, it just skips my mind some times.

[critter]

I believe it matters on the age. I said play plenty of times for younger kids in 9-12 years old. as for older kids they wait till i say go.

[Aging_Arbiter]

If you aren't habitually putting the ball back in play.....the first time that you are on the bases and a pick off ensues.....and your partner left you hanging out there, you will probably remember to put the ball in play when behind the plate from that point forward.