Help With Mechanics

bob jenkins · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Jun 19, 2000, 02:58pm

quote:
Originally posted by mikesears:
I am a new baseball umpire and I am having problems selling close calls because I am feeling self-conscious about my signals. Is there anything that I can do to practice my signaling (especially for out) besides for watch others. Is there something I can mimick that gives a good solid "out" sign on close plays?

1) Practice in front of a mirror.
2) After you make your call, stare at the play for 1 more second, then move immediately and with haste (don't run, but hustle) to the next position (e.g., starting in A, a) runner is safe -- move to B; b) runner is out -- move back to A; c) runner is third out -- move to outfield). Don't look questioningly at the coach.

mikesears · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Jun 19, 2000, 11:35pm

I am a new baseball umpire and I am having problems selling close calls because I am feeling self-conscious about my signals. Is there anything that I can do to practice my signaling (especially for out) besides for watch others. Is there something I can mimick that gives a good solid "out" sign on close plays?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

mikesears · #3 (**permalink**) Tue Jun 20, 2000, 10:44am

That helps a lot and I appreciate it.

I'm still looking for something to mimick that comes close to a good solid "out" call on a close play. I'm looking for something to start with like a "pretend you are . . ." situation, like pretend you are hitting a pitch with your fist" or "pretend you are slamming a hammer" or something else I can compare the "sell-it" call to. I have video-taped myself and I just can't seem to get the signal right without looking goofy.

I recently ran into problems in a game at a very close force out play at third base. The coach thought he was safe (obviously), and I know he was out but I didn't hard-sell the call. He told my partner that he was frustrated not at the call, but at my mechanics on the call. "... all he did was show me a little fist..." were his words to my partner. This game can often be about selling your calls and I need help with the actual signal (as well as other good advice like what I got)

Please accept my gracious thank-you for your advice. I am grateful for it and it would have helped me sell my call even more.

Mike Sears
Illinois

bob jenkins · #4 (**permalink**) Tue Jun 20, 2000, 03:11pm

Many new umpires use a move that looks like they are are grabbiong a salt shaker and throwing some salt over thier right shoulder -- the fist comes up and back.

To make a stronger signal, the fist need to come forward.

Try this (I'm not sure I can explain it right): Start with the upper arm parallel to the ground, extended sideways from the body. The arm is bent so the fist is near (but not touching) the ear. The fist is held so that if the hand was open the palm would be facing front. Someone looking at you from the front will see a "triangle" with the base at shoulder height and the top corner open.

Move the arm so the upper arm comes forward (swinging horizontally). At the same time, the forearm extend forward just a bit past vertical and the fist pivots so the palm is now facing left. Stand up tall when you make this move. Some think of it as using the fleshy part of the side of the hand by the little finger pounding into an imaginary wall. Some think of it as picking grapefruit.

Hope that helps.

P.S. -- where in Illinois?

mikesears · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Jun 21, 2000, 07:52am

Thanks! I can kind of visual that and practice it. I know it just takes some time to develop a style and I appreciate your help.

I live in the Bloomington-Normal area (Central IL)

Alligator Bag · #6 (**permalink**) Thu Jun 22, 2000, 12:01am

Mike,
The biggest thing on any call is timing. Make sure you see everything happen then make your decision. On close calls, I take a step and "punch" the player out or make a emphatic safe call with arms straight out. If it is not a close call on the out side, just make a clean crisp fist and act like you are pounding on a door. It looks good and doesn't look like you are bored with the game.

mikesears · #7 (**permalink**) Thu Jun 22, 2000, 11:16am

quote:
Originally posted by Alligator Bag:
On close calls, I take a step and "punch" the player out or make a emphatic safe call with arms straight out.

I feel my mechanics are pretty good for a standard out call. I really struggle with selling the close call. You said "punch him out" and I have watched a number of people do this. I just can't seem to get this down without comparing it to something. Do you have any comparisions that would help?

Alligator Bag · #8 (**permalink**) Fri Jun 23, 2000, 01:16am

Watch big leaguers or go to a CICL game in Bloomington some night and watch those guys. I have worked in the CICL (Central Illinois Collegiate League) and they have some good umpires in that league.

Jim Porter · #9 (**permalink**) Fri Jun 30, 2000, 01:27pm

Mike,

I train umpire candidates for youth league. When I'm teaching them to sell an out I describe it this way...

"Punch out the midget!"

Not very politically correct but I hope that helps.

Gee · #10 (**permalink**) Fri Jun 30, 2000, 04:30pm

Go out to your backyard and try to catch some flies (insect flies), be careful of the Bees. G.

Jim Simms · #11 (**permalink**) Fri Jun 30, 2000, 11:14pm

I think there has been some solid advice regarding selling your call. I think that rather than the mechanics of your out call you should concentrate on positioning and timing. If there are extenuating circumstances you need to verbally sell the call. e.g. "Safe, you're off the base" or "Safe, he's under the tag" or "He's out he got him on the arm." Be in position for all calls by hustling. Try to be stationary when making your calls. On the bases avoid putting emphasis on routine out calls. If he's out by ten feet at first base all you have to do is make an arm signal. Jim/NY