Quote:
Originally Posted by jicecone
can anyone point out ONE time they got into trouble because they did???
|
Yep. A few years back, when I was pointing to the side (but not looking at my finger), the catcher fired to third for a pick-off. Both of us missed it. Shame on us.
My point is this - going to the side, while not a bad thing and manageable for some, can reduce the amount of time you are watching the field while subsequently increasing the chance for you to miss something...be it a pick-off, doctoring the ball, or whatever. I am merely suggesting that umpires be aware of this possibility when working on their mechanics. I that reasonable?
I see your point though...wait for the catcher to throw it back before signaling. I suppose that could solve the problem. But to my point - I prefer to keep my eyes front. It reduces the chance of something happening while I try to keep from looking at my finger...and subsequently the chances of the competitors giving me...a finger.
When working solo the need for eyes on the field is even greater.
Overall, I don't see how developing mechanics that keep your eyes on the field can be a bad thing.