[Bagman62]

Mike, you and some very experienced ASA umpires may remember Tony Walsh, he taught Plate Mechanics at one of my first schools and gave the best reason for good mechanics.

He told us everyone on the 3B side was deaf and everyone on the 1B side was blind and it is our responsability to keep them informed of each pitch. If you say nothing on a Ball they know it is a ball. I knopw this has change now.

On a Strike while in the down position call Loudly STRIKE (or your own variation) now the people on the 1B side know the results of the pitch, Go to the up position and reach for the sky, and come to the "hammer" position at a right angle to your head and the people on the 3B side will also know the results of the pitch.

This is what I explain when rookies or newer upires ask why I do not use the "short hammer" the usual comment is "makes sense". But as has been pointed out to be politically correct and get good assignments, use the mechanics the UIC wants used.