[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by Cubbies87
First of all, what is the correct mechanic for letting the pitcher know when he can pitch if the ball was never dead? Also, if the pitcher starts to pitch at a time when he cannot do so, what is the correct mechanic to stop him?

1. If you had your hand up in the stop sign then the ball WAS dead. The mechanic to put it back in play is to point to the pitcher - verbalize "Play" only if you've a mind to or the pitcher isn't looking when you point.

2. The correct mechanic to stop a pitcher in the circumstances you describe is to throw BOTH arms up in the double stop sign and yell "Time"! You should also move out from behind the plate at the same time, just in case the pitcher cannot stop his delivery. You don't want to be hit by a wild pitch when you've already surrendered.
   
   Afterward you should both point to the pitcher and verbalize "Play" to put the ball back in play.

Hope this helps.

Cheers