In talking about a dropped 3rd strike in an article Rollie says, "If more umpires would use the open hand signal by UIC to indicate no catch. If the mechanic were more popularly taught in clinics for newly initiated and semi-handicapped umpires."

I have always been told the proper mechanic is a safe signal. Is this new? Or an old mechanic?? Or a Rollie thing that no one knows what he is talking about like his Nile Valley League reference that can supposedly be found in a dictionary?

I think he mains have the BU help out on checked swings when the ball is in the dirt. The BU can give a subtle fist or open hand to indicate catch (caught cleanly) no catch (not caught cleanly) by the catcher.

And,
 

Tony:

I simplify that even more.

I ONLY give the closed fist on a "caught ball."

If I give no signal it means "uncaught".

And I agree that is what Roland was aiming for . . . I think.

What's this "Closed fist" sign? Do you mean the "Out" signal?

Can't speak for Tim but your probably right which is better than the usual one you get,

"The deer in the headlight signal"

I think Tim is talking more about a subtle closed fist down by your hip and not so much of an elaborate out call.

this is a subtle sign given by your partner at about waist height. It let's him know that you have a catch.

Y'all
 

Nailed it . . . subtle but not secret.

Sometimes mine is pants pocket high.

Re: And,
 

Simplicity is a good thing, however, I like to avoid ambiguity, if I can. So I'll trade some simplicity for some clarity. In any event, I have had a few sh!thouses avoided by making use of this mechanic.

I also advocate for things like run downs, especially in three man crews, and for plays like the Tim Tschida-Chuck Knoblach tag play during the playoffs some years ago, again in three man. It is also useful for swipe tags and pulled feet at first.

That is what I was talking about, justing making a fist or open hand (some guys I work with point at the ground instead) down by your thigh.

Re: Y'all
 

But, of course, as we get older, "pants pocket high" is about where "waist high" used to be. ;)

See I was reading that the UIC was giving the signal. I can see that by the BU.