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Originally posted by joemoore
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?
If you go to a clinic, they go over safes / outs on the bases. On routine plays, simply signal, however, on those bangers they teach the BU to step towards the base with the fist and give the emphatic HE / SHE'S OUT.
As Rich stated, you will get less grief (not NO grief), when you show that you are confident in your call. Also, if you can add more information - add it.
Example, the pulled foot at first. In addition to saying HE's SAFE we also give that sweeping motion. By doing this we save the time to explain our call. Also, on a tag at first, the taught mechanic is to point at the runner with your left hand and say HE'S OUT ON THE TAG! - Again more information to save you some grief.
Pete Booth
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Peter M. Booth
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