Pointing to first on Ball Four

[dileonardoja]

Yes or no? Is it correct to point to 1B on a called ball four. I am assuming it is correct to do it on a dead ball Intentional BB in FED.

[MD Longhorn]

Feel free.

Make sure you wear you're "I'm a rookie" sign while you do it.

[ozzy6900]

The players know where 1st base is. Don't point there, just say "ball 4" and be done with it.

[jicecone]

Sometimes you have to actually convince them it is ball 4. When you have to tell them where to go, then you know your in for a long game.

[scrounge]

I don't have a problem with it.


If they're under 12.

[Mrumpiresir]

Ways to identify a rookie umpire;

1. Pointing the runner to first base on a base on balls.

2. Burying his face in the indicator after every pitch.

3. Screaming "Foul Ball" instead of just "Foul".

4. Screaming "Foul" on a foul ball that goes straight back to the backstop.

5. Calling pitches in the dirt strikes. (because they don't track the pitch all the way to the glove)

6. Granting excessive time requests.

These are just the ones that immediately come to mind.

[BretMan]

True story about a partner I had a couple of years ago...

Not only did this guy point to first base on ball four, he had a habit of commenting on the pitch location ("inside", "too high", etc.).

3-2 count. I'm in "A". Pitch comes in and the batter tries to check his swing.

Plate umpire jumps up, points at me (well, actually he was pointing at first base because he called it ball four, but I didn't realize that) and says, "That's too low!" (which, combined with his point, made me think he was saying, "Did he go?").

I came up with big hammer and a, "Yes he did!".

Poor, non-standard or unconventional signals don't just make you look bad. They can make your partner look bad, too!

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by dileonardoja

I am assuming it is correct to do it on a dead ball Intentional BB in FED.

I don't do FED baseball, so I'm not sure what the approved mechanic is when the defense requests to put the batter on first base. But since this is usually preceeded by a verbal request that everybody within earshot hears, I don't see a need to point.

The only time I believe it's acceptable to point to first base is when the batter gets hit by a pitch that isn't very apparent. Otherwise, I agree with others here.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I don't do FED baseball, so I'm not sure what the approved mechanic is when the defense requests to put the batter on first base. But since this is usually predicated by a verbal request that everybody within earshot hears, I don't see a need to point.

Batter - take your base.

The only time I believe it's acceptable to point to first base is when the batter gets hit by a pitch that isn't very apparent.

Honestly, I don't have a problem with that one.

[celebur]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Batter - take your base.

In our association, we're told to simply tell the batter, "That was ball four." Repeat if necessary, and they'll eventually figure out what they're supposed to do.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by celebur

In our association, we're told to simply tell the batter, "That was ball four." Repeat if necessary, and they'll eventually figure out what they're supposed to do.

So ... with no pitch thrown, you still tell the batter, "THAT was ball four"??? Seems quite odd. If you told me that, I'd look at you and say, "WHAT was ball four?" Of course, I'd then take my base.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Manny A

I don't do FED baseball, so I'm not sure what the approved mechanic is when the defense requests to put the batter on first base. But since this is usually preceeded by a verbal request that everybody within earshot hears, I don't see a need to point.

"Time" (relatively loud, and if time is not already out).

"Go on" (to the batter)