Quote:
Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu
During a recent tournament I compiled some inputs for a newer umpire that was working with us. The tournament was a USA sanctioned event.
After composing the tips, I looked up references in the USA Umpire Manual.
Now I have a question about the mechanic for the PU to verbalize the out on a fly ball to the outfield. I also checked my NFHS Umpire Manual to see what they had.
The NFHS covers it under Movement from the Plate in item 4.
“On fly balls to the outfield not near the foul line, move to obtain a good angle to the catch versus straight at the fielder catching the ball. If the ball is caught, give an out signal and a verbal ‘out’ call.”
The USA version is similar, on fly balls not near the foul line: B.1.d.2)
“If the ball is fair and not caught, no signal is needed. No verbal call is given. If the ball is caught, give an out signal.”
There are multiple passages within this section that are greyed out, indicating that these were updates this year.
I have always verbalized (and signaled) even the most can-of-cornish catches. If I have a plate partner who doesn’t verbalize, I’ve always asked that they do.
Is this a change for USA or was something inadvertently omitted?
Four or five years ago, I asked a plate partner why he wasn’t verbalizing fly ball outs. He said he worked “college ball” and the philosophy was no verbal call so as not to (further) embarrass a girl who made an out. He also gave a very weak little fist turn over near his belt. My BS antennae started twitching, but since I don’t work “college ball” I couldn’t refute the statement.
Anyhoos… Comments?
|
Okay...I'll play devil's advocate here.
Do you feel a need to verbalize all calls that are obvious to everyone in the ballpark?
A lazy fly ball to the outfield, like an obvious foul, doesn't require a verbal call, IMO. A simple routine out call, just like one used on a runner who is out by 15 feet at first base, is all that is needed. No need to be overly officious. Everyone knows it is an out, just a simple acknowledgement is all that is needed. This way, on closer calls, the verbal has more power. More weight.