Inconsistent with Catcher?
Real UMPIRES don't raise either hand or BUTT while pausing to call BALL (4). It has nothing to do with extending the arm outward. That is the proper mechanic and the strike mechanic is entirely different. I think I am asking for the umpire's signal to indicate how a BASE ON BALL AWARD is made by an UMPIRE to alert the official scorekeeper that it is an OFFICIAL decision, and not one made by the BATTER-RUNNER.
First the base on ball award created confusion and then the check swing appeal created confusion. Yikes, baseball experts seem to confuse a particular right handed signal for a strike every time. Now that is the most popular call. So why are these experts confused? Is it really confusion or are we discussing something that goes beyond the "spirit of FAIR PLAY?"
No one has explained how extending the right arm without pointing signals a strike. A catcher can hold his right hand up and everyone recognizes the signal for an intentional base on ball award. No one has explained why I have to keep my mask on to make a check-swing appeal, other than to free my left-hand up for POINTING. A catcher can hold his right hand up and point and everyone will recognize the signal for a check-swing appeal.
It is my responsibility to use mechanics everyone may clearly understand. It is not my responsibility to adopt a separate set of signals so that the RATS can nitpick a judgment call. If they don't understand something clearly, they have the right to request time and ask for a proper explanation. Sometimes I can tell a right or wrong by how he asks a question. Sometimes I just eject the questioner.
These events have even been repeated in this particular thread. Why the double standard for the one person standing two feet behind the catcher. Why have baseball umpires adopted a separate set of signals to communicate the catcher's original intent? Rule 9 comments about an umpire's decisions being final. So now we get around that by questioning his standard mechanics. Let's develop our own signals to avoid the confusion entirely by NOT POINTING with either hand; such as removing the mask or waving an open hand.
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