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I was working bases and after calling a "safe" on a pickoff, there was some minor grumbling. Between innings instead of heading for the outfield, I head for the only shade near home plate. (Shoot me, it was hot!) PU asks if I want some friendly advice. (Can I say "no"?) He tells me that on a close play I need to sell the call to avoid any controversy.
I could never avoid controversy because I am making controversial decisions all game. Should I also "sell" balls and strikes on borderline pitches.
I have 2 types of call. One that I use for obvious calls, like a batter swings through a pitch, or a runner is out by 3 steps. A barely audible call with a hand signal. The second is a simple loud and clear word with hand signal. "Safe", "Out", "Foul".
Do umpires need to sell calls?
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