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Originally Posted by CoachJM
Gentlemen,
Probably the most personally mortifying thing is that on three separate occasions I have vocalized "Strike Three!!" on swinging strikes - and in each case, it was actually strike two! Now, I know you aren't even supposed to vocalize a swinging strike, and on a "called" strike, you just vocalize the strike, not the number.
JM
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Coach, I was taught (at umpire school) to say "strike" on strikes 1 & 2 and "strike three" on strike three. I continue to do so to this day.
For exactly the second time in my career, I "punched out" a batter on strike two, two weeks ago. The first time it happened...years ago...I was in the minors and I heard from the dugout, "get a F%@#in clue out there." I wanted to respond "F&*# You," but of course I had to eat the crow since I screwed up.
The second time occurred during a "fall ball" game that had a very relaxed atmosphere. The offensive coach cracked a joke (which I can't remember) that caused me to laugh. (It wasn't a mean-spirited joke).
I replied (and I quote word-for-word), "if one of the best major league umpires around, Alphoso Marquez (sp?), can make that mistake in a major league game, then humble old me can definitely make that mistake out here!"
The coach laughed and said, "I guess your right!"
So take heart...even the "big boys" punch out a batter too early!
In fact I like your spirit!! You were just trying to keep the game in a "defensive flow" and just trying to get your 54 (or 42 in high school) outs as quickly as possible!
