Quote:
Originally posted by WindyCityBlue
I am sure that you've probably read my previous post again. I hope you recognized the change in paragraph as a change in subject. I wasn't trying to be cute or punish HHH. The simple fact is that the mechanic that began this decision is still not being taught at the professional schools. The one I prefer is the one most observed by professional umpires. Is it better? I don't know. Is the mechanic Pete utilizes absurd? By no means; on the contrary, if it works for him and those in his area - terrific. It makes little difference how you make the call, as long as we don't allow a coach to take advantage of his knowledge of our mechanics.
I used to have the habit of subtly pointing at a base when I saw a runner touch it (on a multi bag hit). A few coaches caught on and one day when I acknowledged first, looked hard at second and then pointed to third, the coach requested immediate time and appealed the play at second. I was amazed that he was so aware and dutifully rang him up. After the game, he said that he had been watching me for a while and knew the time would come when he would be able to use it. My signal, as unobtrusive as it was, gave one team the advantage. Now, Peter could argue that anytime he sees me take my mask off on a dropped third strike, I am doing the same as his "No Catch" signal. He would not get an argument from me. My tact is less visible and seems to be preferred by the guys way up there. (No, I don't mean the U.P.)
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WindyCityBlue,
That's what I'm talkin' about. Thank you!
First off, I do respect knowledge. Thus, I was curious as to why Peter and bob, both of whom know more about baseball than I ever will, gave the tip-off to the batter, because all I do is take off my mask after making the strike signal and observe.
(
I once spent an after-game-drink with bob and tripled my baseball savvy.)
Secondly, I am most pleased that you, with your experience, have reinforced my mechanics, right down to that dang point at bases that I stopped several years ago.
I really try hard to be correct, but since cats may be skinned in a number of ways, what is of more importance to me while officiating any game is
to not be wrong.
I think that in some lower levels of ball making a statement indicating the ball was dropped, can, in fact, subtly make the game better for some players. (
Here, I am thinking 13-yr.old-15-yr.old ages) Yet, I haven't used the "uncaught signal" ever that I remember.
I think the reason I do not use that signal is for the same reason that my plate meetings are so short, because I believe everyone in the game already knows the old rules and the new rules.
Anyway, thanks for your reponse on this. I appreciate it.
mick