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Speaking ASA
To start, an umpire should never scream, holler or loudly announce an illegal pitch. Just say it loud enough for the batter and catcher to hear you, or if you are on the bases, for closest defensive player. Therefore, if done properly, there is no excuse for the batter to be confused or shocked.
I have played ASA, NSA & USSSA, and I prefer to hear the call.
As an umpire, I also prefer to call it for the following reasons:
1. If called, the batter knows his/her options immediately and doesn't have to hope he guessed correctly on what the umpire saw.
2. If called, it avoids possible confrontations by the batter who may attempt to intimidate the umpire, which would lead to the next one.
3. After the fact often seems like an excuse instead of a call.
I'm sure there are probably a few more reasons, I just don't have time to post them.
JMHO,
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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