Quote:
Originally posted by JJ
With regards to ball four - when I call a pitch a ball I say, "Ball" UNLESS it's ball four, then I say, "Ball four". Every now and then, with a runner on first and a full count, a catcher will ask me to "give me a quick and loud "ball four" if that's what the pitch is" - so he doesn't have to make a quick throw to second if it's not necessary. I oblige as best I can (that timing thing is involved...). If that makes me "umpirically" (yes, I made that word up) incorrect, I don't care.
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I always say the same "ball four". I want them to know so the game keeps moving.
But even better, when there are three balls I will say the count to batter and catcher. 3-1 or 3-0 etc.,
I've found that anything I can do to inform will only help keep the game smoother and that makes it better for the umpires.
I don't assume that players know anything, and I know for certain that coaches DO NOT know anything.
Call the batter out and if they want to run around let them, but I've covered myself and my partners.
Same as the infield fly, call it and then when all kind of mess happens, you've done you're job.
I guess I would put these under preventive officiating.
Thanks
David