Quote:
Originally posted by WestMichBlue
It's improper mechanics to call the batter out on a third strike, unless she takes off for 1B when the base is occupied with less then two outs.
Bob
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1. It is an umpire's responsibility to signal a runner out. Absence of being called out should indicate to the player that she can continue to play.
2. A Batter is NOT out on a third strike. She must be PUT OUT. The simpliest and most obvious out occurs when F2 catches the pitch IN FLIGHT (or 1st is occupied etc). If that doesn't happen, then she must be put out by tagging (her or the base) or when she leaves the field of play.
3. Example: With 1st open, or with 2 outs, and the batter misses the third strike - if the ball is caught in flight you call her out. Period. She knows to go to the dugout. If the ball touches the ground before being caught, you say nothing. If she walks towards the dugout you say nothing. When she passes through the fence you call her OUT. If she does not go through the fence, but suddenly breaks for first, and beats the throw she is safe.
My point is that by consistantly calling the batter out when she is out, and saying nothing when she is not out, you create a clear understanding to both the defense and offense as the current game status. Batter knows whether to leave the field or run. Catcher knows whether to tag or throw to first, or to throw back to the pitcher.
Finally, the batter is not a judge as to whether a ball was caught IN FLIGHT and can not always know whether she is out or not. That is your job.
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Actually, speaking ASA, Bob is correct. The call on a strike not contacted with the bat is simply "Strike". Not "strike three", or "out" or "bang" or anything else, just "strike".
If the player (no longer a batter and has not qualified as a BR) takes off toward 1B when the DTS is not applicable, then you state, hopefully in a crisp, legible voice, "BATTER'S OUT!"
Not saying your way is wrong for whatever you do WMB, but this is the mechanics by the book.
Also, while the batter may not be completely sure what to do, s/he has two coaches out on the field to help and they are doing the player a disservice if they just scream "run" everytime a batter strikes out.