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Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve
I have always stood up and called the pitch at the same time I signaled. That is the way it is taught in pro school, so that's the way I was taught. You rarely see pro umpires (with the exception of kneelers) call it first and then stand up and signal.
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Mechanics, plate stances and calling balls / strikes methods seem to be changing as quickly as software products these days.
When I first started out I was taught to keep my head at the "highest point" of the zone meaning if my eyes had to look up it was a ball. Also, I was taught to only call strikes meaning do not say anything if it was a ball.
The BU was responsible for bases 1 through 3. The PU had home plate.
Those methods are out dated but it shows one that mechanics, plate stances and calling balls / strikes continue to change year after year.
Therefore posters are giving their advice on what works best for them. This is one area in which there are really no wrong or right answers. The OP can either take that advice (or at least try it) or not.
IMO, some of the "old methods" had value to them even though they are not taught anymore. If you have kids try helping them with their homework. It's like "night and day" compared to the way I was taught. Umpire mechanics are similiar.
Pete Booth