[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Some umpires, for whatever reason, feel the need to say up, down, inside or outside. This happens at all levels. I've never understood it.

A great instructor once told me it was insecurity about their own calls. The needed to, somehow, justify their judgement.

Lots of umpires use a touch of "body english" to let folks know where it missed. A slight tilt one way, or another, just after the ball is caught. I've always thought that was very effective.

Good catchers know where you thought it missed, even if they don't agree. So do good coaches. No need to bother with the not so good ones, as they're not going to see the light anyways.

I'm baffled as to why they point across their body to signal a strike to a left handed hitter. What's that all about?