Quote:
Originally posted by ump1955
Let me ask you a question. If the batter had stood still and not checked his swing, would there have been a question on the pitch? The correct mechanic is for the umpire to make a decision and then the correct signal for the decision. In reference to the infamous World Series call, I believe the ump had a faulty mechanic- something he himself questioned in a later interview. The strike signal should not be the same as the out signal. But whatever mechanic is used, the key here is still whether or not the plate ump thought there was a swing. If not, the pitch is a ball. If yes, the pitch is a strike. Want to avoid problems with coaches? Don't complicate things. If the ump thinks there was a swing, say "YES HE DID". If there is a question on the ball hitting the dirt, say "BALL DOWN".
Keep something else in mind. Ballplayers are also supposed to know the rules and something about how to play the game, especially at the major league level. We teach Little League batters to run and catchers to throw the ball if there any question on a dropped third strike. If the Angels catcher had simply stood up and tagged AJ, we'd have nothing to talk about.
|
I don't think I would ever use the term, "Ball down!"
If the ball is in the dirt and the batter failed to check his swing I would ...
1. Point at the batter,
2. Say "Yes he did,"
3. Signal a strike
... and leave it at that.
I simply wouldn't say "Out!" The absence of my saying out means; he's
not out. I don't think there is any need for the umpire to get verbal diarrhea and engage in a play-by-play regarding everything that is happening. The nature of the play clearly indicates that the players bear some responsibility.
I called it a strike.
It is exactly as I've said ... it's a strike, and nothing more.
If he was out, I would have said so.
I've read where some recommend giving a Safe signal after the strike, emphasizing that the batter is
not out. I could see that as a reasonable mechanic, also.
I just don't like the term, "Ball is down!", mostly because it is unusual and not common in baseball parlance with regard to an umpire's communication with the participants. It sounds more like something one umpire would say to another umpire. It also sounds too much like the umpire is giving guidance to the defense.
Just a personal opinion. I think it would probably work, though.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN