Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnyg08
Ouch!! :-) that open fist hurts way more than that closed fist...I guess all I'm saying is that if your partner is going to give you a secret sign, he might as well signal so everybody else can see it too...esp if you're going to appeal to him anyway.
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The point of being subtle is to not let everyone know what you've got incase the plate ump has something different.
Remember the plate ump owns the battery (Pitcher, Catcher, Batter). Anything affecting them can cause major problems. The only reason for the signal is in-case the plate guy was screened out he can check quickly without holding up the game, calling if you had a catch, thus putting one team at an advantage or dis-advantage.
I have used this before, as the plate ump, my partner gave me the closed fist, I signaled the strike (I'm a pointer), unsure since it was low and I heard the pop but then saw dust and the catcher initially gloved it between his legs, glanced down to my partner, saw the fist, came back and gave the hammer (2nd signal for the out). Coach requested time, I granted, he asked me to check if it was a dropped 3rd, I told him quickly and convincingly that I already had. He accepted and went back to the dugout. End of story.