|
Part I is my question about the Eddings play.
Part II is Jim's answer.
Is Jim's answer the only Authoritative one? I don't know. I would be curious to get Roder's, Yeast's or PBUC's take on this Play.
Until I hear differently, I will follow Mr. Evans recommendations.
************************************************** ************************
Hi, Jim.
I didn't want to bother you with that play in Chicago, but I can't find any definitive mechanic that should be used for the dropped 3rd strike.
I have been told by those better than me that my mechanic is wrong. I signal the swinging strike 3, put both hands out and say, "No Catch', or "Balls on the Ground."
Jim, I would reslly appreciate your input on this before I explain that call to the guys in my associations.
Dave
******
Dave,
I did 7 telephone interviews yesterday over that incident. One of them was a talk show on ESPN Radio. I turned down a stint on a LA station, KFI. They wanted me to do a 30 minute call-in talk show. (I was born at night but not last night!) As you know, I will never degrade an umpire publicly and I did not yesterday. However, I feel comfortable telling you what I think actually happened.
Eddings was surprised. It was one of those plays that usually calls itself but this time it had a surprise ending. Regardless of whether the ball hit the ground or not, his mechanic complicated the problem. He should have signaled the Strike 3 (as he did out to the side) and verbalized "Strike" or "Strike 3" and then either (1) declared him out verbally as he pumped his fist emphatically, or (2) pointed to the ground and declared "Ball's on the ground" followed by the no-catch signal and verbalize "No Catch!"
I see nothing wrong with your mechanic. For those who argue you should say nothing, I say "You are just asking for trouble!" The only two people in the ballpark who have their backs to the umpire are the batter and catcher. They are the ones who must know the status of the ball so that they can properly react.
Dave, I hope this helps. I can tell you have had some good training. Where did you get it?
|