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Originally Posted by canadaump6
InterestedUmp, where have you been hiding?  What's happened to Donovan- I haven't seen him in ages either. Good to see you back.
I take it I should be signaling lower. How much lower? |
Thanks for the welcome, I nearly missed it with the parade of them coming from all four corners of the forum.
The Deej is fine and I will pass along your nice thoughts. During the winter, I make him hibernate with the other bears. It renews his pi** and vinegar.
Not lower with the signaling, I would suggest that the level of the hands is adjustable to the positioning of the B and F2. I am under 6 feet which means I often side step to the open batter;s box to signal the count, if F2 is standing, for instance.
Our philosophy on signalling is that to accomodate the three most important people in any pitch. F1, B and F2. Personally, I try to find a "quiet time" where I can get the attention of all three with hand signals primarily for F1 not necessarily in tandem with a verbal announcement for the ears of B and F2
For simplicity, I do not announce every Ball or Strike especially if the obvious pitch well outside the zone has occured, I try not to interfere with my commo when coaches, F1/F2, others may be attempting their own.
I see in the responses that many do, goody for them.
I find many umpires take this opportunity to bring focus to themselves and announce every single pitch. I might suggest that they purchase rooms full of mirrors and echo chambers to satiate their need to be heard and seen.
Hopefully, I answered your question. Signalling has one purpose, to bring attention to the umpire.
No, strike that.
It is to commo the count as a reminder, a courtesy, an improvement to the level of play, service to the game.