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Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA
Well, actually  the OP offered the possibility the ball hitting the ground in front of the plate as an IP. The first response separated the IP from dead ball. However, the recent responses were to Tom who stated he gives a DB signal on an IP. We were just seeking clarification to avoid confusion for any non-veteran umpire.
However, there is a prescribe mechanic for a ball hitting the plate or ground in front of the plate or the batter which is described on page 225 of umpire manual section of the 2007 ASA Umpire Edition of the rules book.
It is a good mechanic to use for all SP games whether stealing is being allowed or not. For years, umpires have been pointing to the plate, pounding their fists or making some other type of silly looking signal to indicate to the pitcher that the ball hit the plate. ASA has now provided a standard mechanic for this occurence and I see no reason why it should not be utilized when applicable. |
Unless a pitched ball is illegal for another reason one that simply fails to get over the plate is a ball and is dead, unless there is stealing.
Page 225 refers to games with stealing and the prescribed mechanic has no meaning in games where there is no stealing, i.e almost all slow pitch softball games.
The umpire is under no obligation to explain, visually or verbally, why a ball is a ball,,,,,but the universal pounding of the fists is clear to all players,including the "umpires" at shortstop and in the outfield, that the ball did not cross the plate.
Whoever invented it should get royalties.