I was asked by a buddy to help him in a Pony tournament a couple weeks ago. They played on a 90' field but everything else was supposed to be Pony rules. I'm on the plate for game 1 and the one team is toying with the other. The pitcher is having a hard time throwing strikes so the coach has the batters switch sides after a few pitches. The first one caught me but the next kid I stopped. The coach said that Pony rules allow it and told me I was wrong. I let it go for the next couple innings until they had a ten run lead and it was over. Can you switch batters boxes during the same at bat in Pony ball? Thanks!

Yes, you can.

As long as you don't do it when the pitcher is about to pitch, it's legal.

You can switch as many times as you want between pitches.

Wait right there
 

I think a little preventive umpiring is in order here; something like a very suggestive word to the coach to consider and practice good sportsmanship. You do not want to become part of the situation either. So be careful that you don't reach too far. The power can become addicting and you might find your actions easily cross a line.

If he says anything in retort, put him in the dugout for the rest of the game. You gave him his warning, and he didn't comply, the PONY rules allow that. Maybe that will clear up his mind. Perhaps he can get a better look at the sitch from the dugout. Perhaps he will find a little more respect for YOU in the future. Be sure to include a report to the commish, after the game to avoid any political fallout.

Just MOHO.

PONY is played under OBR with a few add-ons. I just checked a PONY rule book and there is no mention of this situation. However, if one was to consult the OBR....

If a batter switches boxes after the pitcher is on the mound with the ball and ready to pitch, the batter is out.

Re: Wait right there
 

IMHO, this is one of the worst things an umpire can do - trying to enforce a rule that does not exist for the sake of "sportsmanship". Yes, this tactic is crappy sportsmanship, but we are not Emily Post, and trying to tell the coach that his team cannot do something that is completely legal is opening a can of worms you don't want.

Re: Re: Wait right there
 

I agree. We don't have the right to tell a coach how to run his team, whether we like it or not. You'd really be stepping on people's toes if you did that.

Not true. FED 7-3-3 is substantially similar to the OBR rule -- the batter can switch, except if F1 is in a position ready to pitch.

No it isn't. The LL rule is the same as the OBR (and PONY) rule.

Rich,

LL rule 6.06 - A batter is out for illegal action when -
(b) stepping from one batter's box to the other while the pitcher is in positon ready to pitch;

gxc:

The point Rich was making is the wording of LL 6.06(b) is the same as OBR.


Tim.

"Making a travesty of the game" is a phrase gets trotted out whenever something happens in a game that just doesn't seem quite kosher.

There is only one rule that has any kind of statement about "making a travesty of the game", and it doesn't remotely apply to this situation.

"Making a travesty of the game" is not a blanket rule that we can apply to any situation that seems odd, is out of the norm or that we just plain don't like.

The only rule in PONY about making a travesty of the game is for running the bases in reverse order for that purpose. 7.08(i)
The rule is pretty clear that they can switch as many times as they want when the pitcher is not in contact ready to pitch.
How are you planning on forcing them to stay in their original box by rule if they switch while the pitcher is off the rubber?
Great idea. After all, what's a concussion anyway to a teenager. They are after all easily replaced, or bulletproof.

Tim.

Back to creating rules from thin air I see.

Please find this exact rule in your book and post it here. If you're correct, I'll mail you money.

And he CAN switch just for the sake of switching, as long as he doesn't do it while the pitcher is ready to pitch.

If anyone out there actually knows who PWL is, this statement alone is enough to prove he has no business being responsible for ANYTHING related to either baseball or kids in general. Hell, in some places, this mere suggestion is a misdemeanor, maybe worse.

It's bad enough you're a ridiculous excuse of an umpire... but to propose that a manager should tell his teenager to put another teenager in the hospital... unbelievable.

OBR rule 6.06 (b) is quite clear...

A batter is out for illegal action when_

(b) He steps from one batter's box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch;

They say the exact same thing. There's no mention of the mound in either book. Only that the batter is out if the pitcher is in position ready to pitch when the batter switches.

LL Rule 6.06 – Illegal Actions by the Batter

A batter is out for illegal action when.

(b) Stepping from one batter’s box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch.


OBR Rule 6.06 -

A batter is out for illegal action when -

(b) He steps from one box to the other while the the pitcher is in position ready to pitch.

I added emphasis to the word "he" in the OBR rule to note the only difference. OBR is sexist!


Tim.

What BigUmp56 said PLUS read it again where it says "in position ready to pitch"

He can only pitch if he is in Windup or Set - the <u>positions</u> specified in the rules. If he is not in windup or set, he is not "in position" and thus cannot be "ready to pitch", so the batter can switch.

Since you stated PONY, let's deal with the ruling for that case. PONY uses OBR except for local rules like minimum play or max innings for F1.

Make you check payable to a favorite charity

Don't use that rule as a "catch all" as you're donig here since this rule is SPECIFICALLY covered in the rulebook. 10-2-3g is used for weird situations like when randy johnson hits a bird with a pitch.

6.1.1 F prohibits the PITCHER from switching hands as the batter switches boxes. By making the pitcher choose which hand to throw with, this will also keep the batter in one box. The batter can switch after every pitch if he wants- as long as the pitcher's not ready to pitch.

I can't believe you're even thinking about using 7-3-1 since that's not what the rule intends. The batter is not delaying the game in any way, so if he walks right from one batters box to the other without leaving the new box when he gets there, then he's not violating the rule.

There is nothing illegal with this play. It's definitely bush, but we can't do ANYTHING about it.

Mark is correct. 10-2-3(g) gives you the right to rule on any point not specifically covered in the rules. Making a "travesty" of the game is specifically covered in 8-4-2(n)
That's the only place you'll find it mentioned. Using 10-2-3 (g) is a tool used for incredibly unique situations and for rookies who don't understand how to apply the rules.


7-3-1 doesn't imply anything. It gives very specific instructions on when a batter may leave the box. Among those instructions are a pitcher not in contact with the rubber at least 5 feet away from it.

Hopefully all the umpires you work with give the players in your area a better job than this. You seem to be getting worse as you gain experience. Soon you'll find yourself with numerous years of experience where the same mistakes have been made every year unless you learn to take a little instruction from people that do know what they're doing.


Tim.

Hey Pete, check this out:

From BU56
"Using 10-2-3 (g) is a tool used for incredibly unique situations and for rookies who don't understand how to apply the rules."

Maybe he can use that to defend his one in million batter interference call. (Snicker, chuckle, guffaw)

Better yet, he can use it to allow a batter to throw his bat and deflect a thrown ball from the catcher.

Of course, he could only do that on a Fed field and the original batter inteference play was OBR, but why let a little thing like the right rule get in the way? ROTFLMAO

I would have nothing to defend, Windy. I've stated over and over that there is no call to make in the original play unless there was intent on the part of the batter-runner to interfere. You've been shown definitive rulings that sustain the idea that intent is a requirement. You see intent, and I don't in the play at hand.



PWL:

You just get worse and worse and worse..............


Tim.

Re: BigBrownNose56
 

Show me where it says he can't.

Wait right there,
 

If the coach doesn't stop within reason, I would ask the coach to send for the field or tournament director. The third time it happened after my warning, I would call time and consult with the tournament director. I would ask that the coach be restricted to the dugout for refusing to take heed of my request to stop. I would ask him to place another adult at third base to coach the baserunners. If the coach gets out of line, I would eject immediately. I really don't need him there with a bad attitude.

I am there to witness a baseball game, and not these shinanigans. Its not my responsibility to control the crowd, and I can't have a coach enticing the fans to bait the poor pitcher or the fans of the losing team. I would also request that the tournament director talk to the losing coach and a parent during the game. With this suppport, I would write a letter to the commish detailing the events that took place and the coach's refusal to grant my request. Without his support, I would probably just change clothes and go HOME and forget about it.

Just MOHO.

Re: Wait right there,
 

Please let me know what "shenanigans" this coach is doing? The batter just switches boxes- it's his own preference and he's well within the rules to do so. Batter takes a pitch, and instead of setting up for the next pitch in his own box, he sets up in the other box. THIS IS LEGAL. This would be totally OOO to order a coach to stop this, or blame him for that matter.

The only time the batter would be penalized would be if the pitcher is ready to pitch- meaning he has assumed either the windup or set positions. If the batter switches after this, he's called out as per the rules.

You don't know
 

Did I not have a plate conference with the weasel before the game? I suppose you leave out the part about the spirit of fair play (sportsmanship) and safety and equipment. If a coach cannot understand or grant me any of my THREE verbal requests, which by "switch" count is well within REASON, then he will not be around to see the ballgame. Count the pitches, or was that switches as WRITTEN; 4 pitches to each batter, each inning, until we add up to 10 run rule. Looks like shenanigans to me. Get a life COACH, its just a GAME.

Re: Re: BigBrownNose56
 

I know he was talking about Pony rules but in Fed, 7-3-3 says pretty much the same thing as OBR. He can't switch when the pitcher is ready to pitch. I usually despise Fed rules, but this one seems to be the same as the others.

Re: BigBrownNose56
 

Note that 7-3-1 only applies if the batter "delays the game" -- not likely if it's just to switch boxes.

Also, the case that you cited -- 6.3.3F shows that it's legal for the batter to switch -- it's the pitcher that's restricted in the case.

Note that the OBR rule is also "more restrcitive" when there's an ambidextrous pitcher and a switch-hitter.

Quote:

Originally posted by PWL In FED, they are required to pick a box they want to bat from and stay there for the duration of the at bat.

A lie. Not a mistake. A lie, even if you misuse the rules you quote below.

Quote:

Okay Stinky, how much can you afford to send me. See Rule 6-1-1. Refer to Casebook 6-1-1 Situation F..

Did you even read this? Read it again. Has nothing to do with a batter switching.

Quote:

Try 7-3-1. To me, it implies there are only certain times the batter may leave the box, and when he doesn't he must keep one foot in the box.

Not relevant.

Quote:

In 7-3-3, if the batter does it when the pitcher is ready to pitch, he is declared out.

Correct, but only if the pitcher is IN POSITION (meaning stretch or windup) and ready to pitch. Doesn't say the batter can't switch between every single pitch.

Quote:

And if it continued to happen I would consider to envoke 3-3-1g: commit any unsportsmanlike act to include, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, (please read book). I consider this to be a travesty of the game.

First of all, "travesty of the game" is mentioned exactly once in the rulebook, specifically referring to a player running the bases in reverse order. Too many bush league wannabe umpires use this as a crutch to make up rules.

Second, I've read the book... no where does it say anything about this act being unsportsmanlike. This is a judgement that you have decided on your own, with no basis.

I do understand the wording of the rulebook. I teach clinics. It's obvious that either A) you've never attended a clinic anywhere, B) you don't listen at the clinic, or C) you are being intentionally stupid just to stir things up.

None of the rules you cite apply at all to this sitch. Please feel free to explain why you think they do.

IMHO, using the "Sportsmanship" language in the book to enforce something that is clearly not illegal, but simply offensive to an individual umpire, is where some umpires cross the line.

I'm done with you. I gave you a second shot because for a brief time in another thread, you were sane. Oh well. My bad.

...i tried... *sigh*

Re: Wait right there,
 

Umpires are required to enforce the rules. But if you require support from TDs and/or coaches, you're looking for rouble. When you practice good game mgt. skills you enforce rather than cooperate. You tell them how it's going to be. But when you do it with your own sense of fair play, instead of within the rules, it breaks down. You can lose control of the game and never get it back.

Writing a letter to a commissioner really seems OOO. The only thing you should ever write is a short and sweet EJ report, if needed. Our impact should be on the field, not off. The only place this might be OK is in a volunteer setting where you are part of the orgnization, and the concept is more social than competitive.

Mike

You only penalize if he leaves the box and delays the game. But one of the exceptions is when time is called. If Fed was as restrictive as you say, the batter could still manage to switch by requesting time. As long as the pitcher isn't ready, you'd be hard pressed not to grant it. But if you wanted to keep him in there, you're still going to kill the ball sometimes, right, like foul balls. Than how do you prevent a switch?

Mike

Proper Verbage
 

A recent thread posted by my3sons discusses an Officials' Quarterly example for yOOO's to consider. "Making final decisions on points not covered". A do over!"

I copied the thread here and made small corrections in caps to fit the topic of Switching Batters Boxes. This sitch is repeated (repeatedly) throughout the ballgame. The umpire is unsure if any of the pitches would have been called a strike had the batters not tried to confuse, hinder or impede the pitcher's normal delivery into the stirke zone.

**********
Sitch: Count is 0-1, batter leaves left batters box to enter right batters box. Count is 0-2, batter leaves right batters box to enter left batters box. Count is 0-3, batter leaves left batters box to RE-enter right batters box. Count is 0-4, the batter wants to see another pitch. After some delay, the umpire has to verbally remind the batter that ball four has been awarded.

What to do when this happens:

Call time, tell the NEXT batter to STAY in the box.

Gather head coaches and umpires in a big circle.

Say to defensive coach "I can't call THE LAST ONE out because the pitches weren't in the strike zone, but it might have been without his unsportsmanlike act."

Say to offensive coach "I'm gonna let him remain as a RUNNER, but if he ever pulls that stunt again in any game I'm umpiring, I will eject him AFTER MY warning.

Say to both coaches "That's my ruling. There's nothing in the book to cover it. So, smile, nod, and go back to your positions and let's play ball.

Return to the plate and signal 0-0, and say to the NEXT "Batter, never pull that stunt again."

*******************
There are other potenital outcomes such as giving the COACH THIRD base box, THE DUGOUT or ejecting him. Those are shot down as not being as good as the do over. The do over will be the call which is "most easily sold" according to the article. I think we may have found Rollie's long lost twin.
__________________
Luke, LDUB
*******************
BigUmp56,
You might as well just eject the defensive manager before the pow-wow and save time. It's an eventuality anyway if you pull this stuff. What ever happened to ring him up and set him down?
*******************

NOW BIGump, I think I said that too. I provide a better alternative based on the initial PLATE CONFERENCE. But yOOO now have another interepretation to consider, one ALMOST covered in Officials' Quarterly, the DO-Over.




[Edited by SAump on Feb 18th, 2006 at 07:21 PM]

Did anyone else catch this?

"Sitch: Count is 0-1, batter leaves left batters box to enter right batters box.
Count is 0-2, batter leaves right batters box to enter left batters box.
Count is 0-3, batter leaves left batters box to RE-enter right batters box.
Count is 0-4, the batter wants to see another pitch.
After some delay, the umpire has to verbally remind the batter that ball four has been awarded."


At what level do you refer to the count this way?
At what level do you remind the batter to take first base?

Sounds like what TAC refers to as a "rat". Sniff, sniff...yep, it smells that way too. There's no way he's an umpire with comments like that.

Balls-Strikes
 

"At what level do you refer to the count this way?"

My bad, your right again. I see the point: 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 and 4-0. I admit my responsibility to correct a known mistake. I will not try to defend myself with absurd analogies. I will try not to repeat the error for all to see, over and over again. I won't edit it to HIDE from people, nor will I delete the post. I will not turn your words around. Let it appear here so ALL may judge another mistake and PENALIZE accordingly, without namecalling.

"At what level do you remind the batter to take first base?"

I believe "after some delay" at any level. Do you have a problem with that too?




[Edited by SAump on Feb 18th, 2006 at 09:36 PM]

Re: Proper Verbage
 

I fail to see how a batter leaning into a pitch and a batter switching boxes can even remotely be equated. Are you suggesting that you cover both of these at the plate conference? Who are you referring to as an OOO? I hope you understand that's it's OOO to tell a batter he can't swith boxes when the rules say he can. The same thing can be said for the HBP scenario. A good official will call the strike and ring his cheatin @$$ up. An OOO will call time and go to the mound for a pow-wow to try to be the nicey nice umpire. It's not all that complicated.


Tim.

Wait right there.
 

"Originally posted by SAump
BigUmp56,
You might as well just eject the defensive manager before the pow-wow and save time. It's an eventuality anyway if you pull this stuff. What ever happened to ring him up and set him down?"

NOW BIGump, I think I said that too. END OF SENTENCE. Read my comments on how to handle entire situation -> restrict to dugout or eject. That will leave any of us feeling like a very OOO afterwards.

Other officials disagree with my application of the rule and ALLOW the toying to continue throughout the ballgame. Some incorrectly believe the coaches actions are justified by rule and that us UMPIRES should not have a positive impact on the GAME. This certainly does not HELP anyone and ONLY makes the situation WORSE for the next guy.

The plate conference was about sportsmanship, safety and proper equipment. I rule on fair play, unsafe or unruly behavior, and illegal equipment. I am responsible for what happens on the field. If it reflects badly on or off the field, then the COACHES and I should take some responsibility. They have an obligation to PUT an END to it. Even the NCAA restricts a coaches actions in this type of situation.

Now before I have answer all those other ??? Please respond to how multiple batters toying with opposing pitcher through 3 half-innings of baseball equates to ONE BATTER switching places in a batters box during ONE at-bat?

Who are you going to restrict or eject? The offensive coach? The offensive player? You can't enforce a penalty for a batter leaning into a pitch other than what the rules prescribe. If he leans in and gets hit, calling the strike and letting him get plunked without awarding first base is sufficient penalty. It's the reason the excetion exists in the rule for HBP. If you look at what I said, it was that you're going to have to eject the defensive coach if you return the batter to the box. He's the one who's going to go ballistic because your penalizing his team for doing what they're supposed to do.

Tim.

Back to Basics
 

My first sentence to the initial post to this thread has been attacked repeatedly. I also posted sentences 2, 3 and 4 in my initial post; and your misunderstandings or attacks outside the proper context of the entire paragraph ARE misguided. It also tried to solve the current problem presented in the initial thread. My remedy was that because of the plate conference and my responsibilities as UMPIRE, my actions in the second paragraph are reasonably correct and justified.

I find it very difficult to only defend myself against your counter-arguments. I see your atacks on PWL and myself, plain and simple, but I don't see many of you providing any other real advice to PETE in AZ, other than to allow it to happen and walk away after the game.

WIMPS. Stop the attacks and put your best foot forward.

ONE thrread at a time
 

How can you expect me to discuss two entirely different threads. I will gladly answer any questions about HBP on that thread. I will gladly answer the questions about switching batters boxes on this thread.

Please post you questions where they belong!

Why is it that when anyone has an opposing viewpoint with certain people they feel they're being attacked?

I wasn't attacking you. I was pointing out that I think you're management skills are contrary to what most umpires use in their games. Take that as an attack if you want, but that's not how it's intended. You may want to try to be objective enough at least once to realize your methodology is wrong when so many of us disagree with what you write.


Tim.

Re: ONE thrread at a time
 

Did you or did you not pull this quote from me that was placed in the Officials Quarterly thread and paste it in this one?

You did it to try and prove a point that had no meaning to this discussion. If you would like to move the discussion back over to that thread I will gladly follow.


Tim.

[Edited by BigUmp56 on Feb 18th, 2006 at 11:19 PM]

Simple Offense
 

As PWL would say, "Stop turning my A-words around."

I have consistently ejected the offensive coach for being offensive throughout this thread. Just opposing my viewpoint for opposing sakes seems rather shallow. Did I bold the word defensive coach, above? No you did. Accept responsibility for your well-rehearsed and repeated actions, dimwit.

The methodology I presented here may have been wrong. But I would like to see an acceptable methodology presented for open discussion. Please site whoever else has presented this logical methodology on this thread and not only will I read it, but I will re-read it.

In the HBP-strike call. The defensive coach will not be ejected. He most likely will enjoy the outcome and he might even do a little late-night victory dancing afterwards. But thats another thread.

Well then help me to understand what it is you're trying to advocate in each situation. I can easily accept the fact that I may have misunderstood you.

In the batter switching boxes situation. What are your suggestions on how to handle it? Are you going to put a stop to it or allow it by rule.

For the HBP situation what is your position. Do you want to call time and have a do-over? Do you call the strike and ring him up? Are you going to hold a pow-wow with both coaches?

Please explain to me how a defensive coach would ever like the outcome when his pitcher has to face a batter he just struck out because the umpire couldn't judge the pitch on a HBP. He's not. He's going to be incredibly upset and more than likely get himself ejected.

No matter what you think of my opinions there is no need for name calling. I've never cast a disparaging comment your way and would appreciate it if you would act like an adult when we disagree. I would think this board has had enough childish name calling during the time PWL was here. We don't need someone trying to take his place now that he's gone.


Tim.

Re: Wait right there,
 

I'm sorry. I don't mean any disrespect. This is about the worst advice I have ever heard on any subject in the history of the world since I've been in it!!!

What the batter is doing by switching boxes in perfectly legal, doh!

I've been doing pre-game plate conferences for years, and the spirit of fair play never entered into one. Jeez...

All the way to writing letters to the commissioner, oh my!!

It's a freakin' baseball game for cryin' out loud!

You lost control of this game about the time you sent for the tournament director. You need to handle your bidness yourself, pardner.

I sure hope you don't think I'm attacking you personally by saying that this has got to tie for the stupidest post on the internet ever! (probably tied with any number of mine)

http://eteamz.active.com/baseball/ru...nging%20Boxes/

Proof enough SAump?

Re: Wait right there.
 

Those who disagree with your position provide support from the rule book. Your point is that switching back and forth is unsportsmanlike. I don't have a problem with your interpretation, in that all unsportsmanlike conduct is not described. I don't agree with you, but it is a judgment call. However, I believe that you need to understand that it is judgment. You are entitled to yours, but should grant your detractors the same right. When you say, "Some incorrectly believe the coaches actions are justified by rule and that us UMPIRES should not have a positive impact on the GAME," you go to far. Some exercise different judgment than you, but that does not make it incorrect judgment. You could make your point better by simply taking the word "incorrect" out of that sentence.

Similary, calling others wimps and dimwits is inappropriate. If your level of frustration rises to where you need to make personal attacks on a public board, please try to remember that your comments are read by others, and you offend more than the few you intend to offend. Thanks.

Mike

I said enuf
 

Now before I have answer all those other ??? Please respond to how multiple batters toying with opposing pitcher through 3 half-innings of baseball equates to ONE BATTER switching places in a batters box during ONE at-bat?

Any advice for Pete in AZ?

I'll be lurking close by.

[Edited by SAump on Feb 19th, 2006 at 08:06 AM]

Yes I Can Can Can't CAN'T DON'T
 

I can support one batter switching places after every pitch during one turn at-bat.

I can support nine batters switching places once after a few pitches.

I can't support the SAME batter switching places back and forth after every pitch after doing so in multiple at-bats.

I can't support 36 batters switching places back and forth after every pitch over 3-4 half-innings.

The B?Rs can stay, but the coach MUST LEAVE if he doesn't agree with my game management skills. I don't agree with his coaching skills and I am likely to let him and the world know that before his departure.

Re: Proper Verbage
 

Hey, that's a great idea ! Make up your
own rules, and then restrict or eject any
coach that has the gall to violate YOUR
Calvinball type rules. The key lies in
"making up" the rules, but it sounds as if
you're doing a good job of it.

Duck
 

I didn't make up the new rules. It came out of Officials Quarterly. Nor do I agree with the do-over policy as stated. Its just a game of entertainment.

I was merely stating that I would put a stop to EVERY batters over-indulgences in the batters box.
I would restrict the coach to the dugout or eject and remove him from the ball game.

There was so much contoversy over my opinion that I decided to provide yooos with a (better ;)) alternative.
No one else, other than PWL, has said that they would put a stop to it and NOT allow it to continue.

I'm still waiting for this CORRECT methodology to be printed here in black and white. However, most of yoos shy away from the bigger picture.

Re: Duck
 

(1) You seem to have made up rules. As has been pointed
out to you, nothing the batter has done has been proven to
be illegal.
(2) If only PWL and yourself would put a stop to it,
does that fact in itself not tell you something?
(C) The bigger picture is that ruling on points not
covered does not mean injecting your personal feelings
into the game. Just because you don't like it doesn't
make it against the rules, it makes you look like an OOO.

Re: Balls-Strikes
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SAump
"At what level do you refer to the count this way?"

My bad, your right again. I see the point: 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 and 4-0. I admit my responsibility to correct a known mistake. I will not try to defend myself with absurd analogies. I will try not to repeat the error for all to see, over and over again. I won't edit it to HIDE from people, nor will I delete the post. I will not turn your words around. Let it appear here so ALL may judge another mistake and PENALIZE accordingly, without namecalling.

"At what level do you remind the batter to take first base?"

I believe "after some delay" at any level. Do you have a problem with that too?

Yes, actually I do - in professional baseball, you would be laughed off the field. If you pulled this on an NCAA diamond, they would likely do the same. Veterean American Legion and High School Varisty umpires would treat this as a big no-no as well. Small ball is a good place to abandon this adventure in color commentary.

I teach too many clinic to know better. I've travelled throughout the region and know that OOOs have a lock on this sort of behavior. A few weeks ago I was teaching a clinic and one of the newbies said, "Ball Four, take your base." I asked him if he plans to say, "Strike Three, you're out." He sad no and I asked him why he thought he needed to give instruction to a 12 year old player. He said that he grew up hearing it that way. Maybe you were working his games?

I broke him of that habit and from holding his thumb out when he called outs. I couldn't bear to think that they can't say the count correctly, but every newbie knew the right way. Maybe you can attend one of my classes next week. I won't embarass you anymore than everyone else does here. I'll even let you sit in the front when we teach the part about batter interference. That way you won't make the same mistake on the field that you did on this board.

For your RDG pleasure
 

My mechanic is to call ball or strike aloud. I don't number them, give the location, or hold my fingers up after every other pitch. I do keep an indicator in my left hand. After ball four, I extend my right arm towards first base momentarily. I do not raise it for the batter to see. Most batters are already aware of the sitch and many games go by without incident.

If I ever notice a batter doesn't respond to the call, it is I who will laugh to myself. Then I will verbally remind the batter that it was ball 4. I already know he is not gonna look back and see me pointing towards 1B. If anyone else laughs at him or me, he certainly must have a sense of humor like mine. No one will be watching over my shoulder shaking their head over the incident. Soon the next batter will be ready and the earlier events will no longer seem matter very much at all. I certainly will not lose any sleep over it.

Re: For your RDG pleasure
 

Sorry, but this is not a good mechanic. Doing this indicates to everyone that you just signaled a strike when you meant ball four. You're setting yourself up for trouble if you use this mechanic. You're going to have to do some splainin' to the defensive coach on this one when it's just not necessary.

This is similar to why we point to first on a check swing appeal with our left hand. When you point for the appeal with the right hand everyone thinks you signaled a strike.


Tim.

I can't believe that this guy actually umpires games with players who shave. I tried to tell him what the mechanic is and he is now trying to babble something about just doing it to remind a player. What a hoot!

Look at every umpire manual and see where it says to call ball four and raise your right arm to point to first. Most umpires raise their right arms to call strikes!

First it was batter interference and now this...simple but tragic mistakes on the part of an inexperienced OOO.

Please don't point to your right after calling a ball. Isn't that what you do after calling a strike?

Re: For your RDG pleasure
 

There is nothing wrong with numbering balls and called strikes, or to hold up the count after each pitch if one so chooses. I don't, but many good officials do.

But one should never point to first on ball four. That would be just as bad as saying "Take your base." Pointing on ball four is simply bad mechanics, and wrong! You say that many games go by without incident. I would rather have all my games go by without such an incident.

She Said It, It Must be TRUE
 

"Doing this indicates to everyone that you just signaled a strike when you meant ball four."

Real UMPIRES don't raise either hand or BUTT while pausing to call BALL (1-4). That is the proper mechanic and the strike mechanic is entirely different. It has nothing to do with extending the arm outward. It doesn't indicate a strike to everyone when I meant ball four. But you would ignore the proper mechanics to make up your story.

Hello Left Arm
 

"call ball four and raise your right arm to point to first. Most umpires raise their right arms to call strikes! .... simple but tragic mistakes"

Now I never said "pointing" did I?

Yet
"Please don't point to your right after calling a ball." Isn't that what you do after calling a strike?"
and
"But one should never point to first on ball four."

Isn't that what you do after calling a strike? Point at somebody else. Your sisters are now spreading the same story. I think they already believe your mistaken POINTS. Simple enough, but tragic.

Funny I may have laughed at the batter for losing track of the count. But EVERYBODY I know extends their right arm to signal SAFE too. It is funnier NOW that YOU misinterpret extending a right arm outward for ONLY a strike. I suppose you only use your left hand for wiping the plate clean (PG). I suppose YOU signal SAFE by pointing in both directions. Now that is funny.

I just keep telling myself, "Find your
hapy place....find your happy place", and
maybe it will all go away.

Strike Mechanic Needs Work
 

First the base on ball award created confusion and then the check swing appeal created confusion. Your little group of friends seem to confuse every right handed signal for a strike. Now that is the most popular call. So why are they confused if your driving around the country holding personal clinics? ENUF SAID, you need not answer.

StrrrrrIKE THREEEE
 

"... YADA YADA YADA ... one of the newbies said, "Ball Four, take your base." I asked him if he plans to say, "Strike Three, you're out." He said no and I asked him why he thought he needed to give instruction to a 12 year old player."

He said NO because the dropped third strike rule doesn't apply to 12-year olds.

Baseball POINTERS
 

ADVICE FOR NEWBIE: Don't RAISE your right arm and point after a strike call. People in TEXAS will LAUGH at YOU.

However, there are many situations in baseball that may require an umpire to raise his right arm and point. I would take the time to list them all off the top of my head, but I wouldn't want you to confuse them with your INCORRECT strike call mechanic. I stopped after NINE, but I could have easily listed FIVE more on my mind. Thought I would give it a REST and give you time to get a CLUE. Can you name the ONE I didn't LIST FIRST?

1 PLAY BALL
2 LIVE BALL
3 FAIR BALL
4 One OUT
5 Home Run
6 One More Warmup Pitch Pitcher
7 Take Your Base AWARD Batter
8 He's out right there (1st out of DP)
9 Your outta here (ejection)

One thing is for sure, your advice not to point after ball four is inconsitent with the rulebook. Perhaps you should think first before you join in on the chicken dance.

Re: Baseball POINTERS
 

No they won't, they see real umpires do it all the time. Even, may I add, many MLB umpires!!! I lived in Texas for 11 years, and attended many games, and not one time did anyone laugh at the way the umpire pointed on strike calls.

[/b]

What rule????

Please!!!!! I am begging you!!!!! Show us the rule that says this!!!

Please show us one single umpire manual that teaches this mechanic!!!

Name one professional umpire school or clinic that teaches this mechanic!!!

It is not the umpires job to show the batter-runner where first base is located.

IN TEXAS, RULE 7
 

No umpire, worth his SALT points to FIRST BASE after a strike unless he thinks he's SCARFACE. Did you not read the BASEBALL POINTERS. The strike call in TEXAS does not include a RAISED RIGHT ARM POINTED to FIRST BASE, or to the side for that matter, after a strike call.

But once again, you're always asking to see something in WRITING. Then you twist my words around and DUCK afterwards. Your silly group of friends JUMP right in to repeat your words as if I was the one who wrote them.

Why don't YOU get your little mechanic book out and quote it for us. Why don't you explain the RULE since you seem to think you already know the rule. If you know so much, why do you hide it so well? That's the only consistent theme I have noticed on this board.

Now watch all the so-called experts chime right in and claim they RAISED THEIR RIGHT ARM AFTER A STRIKE CALL. Predictable and WRONG.



[Edited by SAump on Feb 22nd, 2006 at 09:54 PM]

Games Almost Over NOW
 

Any of you more methodological experts ever gonna answer this?

Please respond to how multiple batters toying with opposing pitcher through 7 half-innings of baseball equates to ONE BATTER switching places in a batters box during ONE at-bat?

And you presume it is legal. I think your last position was that you would allow the toying to continue throughout the entire ballgame because you CAN'T stop it as long as its LEGAL.

The game is about to end. The ten run rule is in effect. The score is (ahhh) 22-7. Gotta get away anytime soon or are you still gonna allow the coach to hang around?

Re: Baseball POINTERS
 

Inconsistent with the rule book? Reference please.

Most of the items on the list do not occur after a pitch. A raised right hand after a pitch (that is not batted) is *usually* a strike call. Thus, a raised right hand after a pitch will *usually* be interpreted as a strike call. If the umpire means something different, then there's the possibility for confusion. To minimize the confusion, the umpire should use a different method of conveying the information.

On the "Multiple batters switching boxes" issue -- all (most?) of us agree that it's bush-league. Dealing with it becomes a game-management issue though, not a rules issue. You can't tell the team not to switch boxes. You can tell them to act only in a sporting manner (at least in most less-than-pro leagues -- in pro-leagues, the issue will resolve itself with 5.25 oz @ 90mph into the ribs).

I'm not going to take the time to go back through the thread to see what you actually wrote -- but what I read (and it might be my error) is that you indicated that the act of switching was illegal. It's not.

You chop off one head of the hydra and another one grows in it's place.

I used to correct people like this in fear that a newer umpire would read this horribly Rollie-esque incorrect advice, and use it in a game.

I no longer have the energy. I propose we simply ignore the noise coming from the leaky faucet - all attempts at correcting the plumbing problem simply cause the faucet to increase in volume.

From now on, I will ignore and move on. I ask you to do the same.

Decibel, DON'T POINT
 

I think I wrote this on the board before. But let me POINT IT OUT again for the (mind) readers. I want it to be clear before that small group of dimwits takes it out of context repeatedly and runs with it again/again/again.

"I already know he is not gonna look back and see me pointing towards 1B" (after BALL FOUR). Who turned my A-words around? He may hear me say "BALL FOUR" as a reminder to take his base. Who added "Take YOUR BASE" to the end of my BALL FOUR comment? I never said I properly signal OUT by pointing either. Thanks for going there WINDY. I am NOT attacking the im-posters, just POINTING OUT a very well-ORCHESTRATED strategy to NEWBIES who may read adulterated comments on this board in the future.

I have already stated my BALL mechanic. Please review and comment if you differ. I haven't written about my strike mechanic because I was still POINTING OUT when to properly POINT. We're up to 10 now and there are still several left to call. Please feel free to point out the obvious.

I have already commented on how I find it hard to believe yOOOs confuses the most used signal in baseball, one taught at every LL clinic in the country. "To minimize the confusion, the umpire should use a different method of conveying the information." Perhaps to avoid the obvious trap, I'll stay lurking (once again) while the rest of yOOOs dust off the manual and brighten us-less-experienced.

---------------
I apologize for my wimp comment. I now know how sensitive you dimwits feel. I think most of yOOOs will allow switching boxes to continue for 7 innings (about 2+ hours). Still think your job doesn't include promoting the spirit of the game at all times? I am still waiting to see a different game management methodology from any of the rest of you yaOOO's. Put your best foot forward.

STDs
 

I listed 9 points when an UMPIRE should raise his right hand and POINT. You don't use any of these signals to call a strike. There is a signal and mechanic to properly communicate a strike. If you confuse any of these signals for a strike call, which may or may not require finger pointing, then people in TEXAS and MOST of BASEBALL will laugh at you, instead.

The "Take Your Base Award Batter" is actually a Base on Balls AWARD that is not communicated to the batter. The catcher and batter should hear the original BALL call. The Base on Balls AWARD is communicated to the scorekeeper who may not hear the umpire's Ball 4 call because he is sitting in the cooler press box AC. I suppose he can see the batter THROW the bat and run to first, but an umpire's signal makes it OFFICIAL.

I guess some umpires just don't signal at all. Their union boss probably okayed it after complaints to allow them to remove their thin polo shirts from under the plate coat on a hot night, but that is another story. SO now there is one less signal to raise their right hand for. Some have already swtiched to the left hand toward the 1B umpire just to check to see if the batter committed a check-swing. I think its entirely okay for the ambidextrous veteran, but its a little too much to ask from us right-handed NEWBIE types. Just get a clue coach, what more do you want our union officials to cave into?

STANDARD baseball terminology and definitions are easily transmitted through proper signals and mechanics. Believe me, NO ONE will be confused about the pointing unless they saw you make some unrecognizable strike call. The UMPIRES on this board know to expect anything from a NEWBIE. It is there purpose in life to correct you, to improve your mechanics and to avoid any further confusion. Check that again, CREATE CONFUSION for entertainment purposes only.

Re: STDs
 

With the exception of you mentioning the improper base on balls award mechanic none of the items you listed above are relevant to this discussion. You mentioned that people would laugh at an umpire for signalling strikes by pointing to the right. You're sadly mistaken if you truly believe this. The hammering motion to indicate a strike is a relatively new mechanic. For years the signal used for indicating a strike has been the point to the right. You'll find that most of the veteran umpires still use this mechanic. We've all made it very clear that using a pointing motion with the right hand on a base on balls award is the improper thing to do. I suggest before you continue to argue about this you watch some professional or even college level umpires call a game or two. You won't see any of them use this mechanic you suggest beacuse it's frowned upon in every umpiring school or clinic.
Well, I'm not from Texas, but Carl, PWL , and Mike Crowder are Texans. I would suspect that all of them would tell you that using the hammer to indicate strikes is not the only acceptable mechanic used in Texas.
I'm not sure what you're trying to say here. Are you suggesting that an umpire needs to make a verbal announcment to a scorekeeper for a base on balls?
It's not a guess. Experienced umpires do not signal a base on balls with a point. It's just that simple. This has nothing to do with your statement about their 'unions'. It has nothing to do with them being lazy. It has to do with proper protocol so as not to confuse anyone.
No one has switched to anything. Using the left hand to go to your partner for help on a check swing has always been the proper mechanic. What does being a newbie have to do with using your left arm to signal the appeal? Are you suggesting it's too much work for you, or are you saying it's too hard for you to remember to use the proper mechanic.
I would address this last paragraph if I could understand what you were trying to say.


Tim.

Hehehe,
 

No "real" (tm) umpire would ever point to first base on a base on balls.

Even in San Antonio.

I have never told a pitcher he has "one warm up pitch" left.

But any thread with SAUmp or PWL on board eventually winds up being funny stuff.

~SIGH~

Kept up with Ball Four?
 

Originally posted by SAump
The "Take Your Base Award Batter" is actually a Base on Balls AWARD that is not communicated to the batter. The catcher and batter should hear the original BALL call. The Base on Balls AWARD is communicated to the scorekeeper who may not hear the umpire's Ball 4 call because he is sitting in the cooler press box AC. I suppose he can see the batter THROW the bat and run to first, but an umpire's signal makes it OFFICIAL.
-----------------------------------------------------------

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here. Are you suggesting that an umpire needs to make a verbal announcment to a scorekeeper for a base on balls?
-----------------------------
No, I am suggesting that an umpire will lose the use of his vocal chords for a day or two if he tries to shout out each and every call for the scorekeeper who may be sitting high above in an air-conditioned press box on a hot Texas day.

Perhaps some people will laugh at the behavior, but I actually feel sorry for any umpire who tries to shout each and every call to the scorekeeper who is already WATCHING the game.

I think I am asking for the umpire's signal to indicate how a BASE ON BALL AWARD is made by an UMPIRE to alert the official scorekeeper that it is an OFFICIAL decision, and not one made by the BATTER-RUNNER.



[Edited by SAump on Feb 25th, 2006 at 07:17 PM]

Leave the CALL Alone
 

"No one has switched to anything. Using the left hand to go to your partner for help on a check swing has always been the proper mechanic. What does being a newbie have to do with using your left arm to signal the appeal? Are you suggesting it's too much work for you, or are you saying it's too hard for you to remember to use the proper mechanic."
------------------------------------
Kinda like admitting that you require eating with your left-hand, its perfectly okay if your left-handed. Why don't you spell out the requirements for all the left-handed calls. I'm sure some of us-less-experienced would be grateful for the info. I promise not to antagonize any of the union boys when I see it from the stands either.

I'm saying that you're OOO so clever to require the use of the left-hand from anybody. Does your UNION have a PC problem with their leader's left-handedness, or anyone else's refusal to TURN into the requirement? I would suggest you keep it very quiet. It isn't something I would brag about at the union membership drive.

11) I use my right hand to point towards first base to my partner to signal, "Are you ready to start this game?"

12) I use my right hand to point towards first base to my partner to signal, "DID HE GO?"

Its perfectly okay if I don't turn my left shoulder into it. Now I will reserve the right to continue listing all the calls I make by raising my right ARM and pointing. I will also repeat that I do not point towards first base after a strike call and I'm proud of it.

I don't believe I have ever said BALL FOUR, or BALL ONE, or BALL TWO, or BALL THREE. And if, after saying "BALL" on a 3 ball count, he doesn't go to 1B I might say THAT'S FOUR to the batter if he stands there long enough, and his coach doesn't holler out to him, but I am not likely to say TAKE YOUR BASE.

Its MY problem
 

But I got to ask, "Where do I put my traditional mask and indicator when I point towards first base with my left hand?"

I suppose some of YOU don't even bother to remove your HSM to address an appeal. But us tougher gentleman refuse to shout through a mask. Do you suggest I now move it to my right hand?

NO, I think you're full of BS anyway. I will not even consider making a call with my left hand. I already made the trade to hold my indicator while taking off my mask with my left-hand. Now how the hell am I suppose to POINT, too?

I guess its only my problem though since everyone else is already pointing with their left hand. I must be DUMB and CLUMSY too.

These last several posts have given me a headache. First you say not to point on the strike call? But I guess it was a misfire, and you meant to say, don't point on ball four.

As I 'point' when I call a strike vs. hammering it, I would take exception to your point. Now, we should never "point" toward first on a base on balls, we might say something like "ball four" or some such reminder to a unfocused batter.

Now, pointing with the left hand is sometimes the proper thing to do. For example, when I get an appeal on a check swing, I point to my partner with my LEFT hand and ask "did he go". This is to avoid any misunderstanding by pointing with the right.

I suppose I should take some pain killers before I read some of these posts.

Re: Its MY problem
 

If the shoe fits.........


Tim.

Did HE GO?
 

Your not suggesting that I hold my shoes, my mask and my indicator and POINT to YOU at first base with my left hand?

My union is already asking me to hold my mask and my indicator in my left hand. I probably couldn't hold my shoes, mask and indicator in my left hand at the SAME time. I know it would look dumb without the shoes too. Is your union asking you to look dumb? That would be consistent with pointing with your left hand. Perhaps their asking you to keep your mask on too? My, how ugly!

Re: Did HE GO?
 

I guess it's up to you whether you want to remove your shoes and mask before you go for the appeal. You should already have your indiclicker in your left hand though so trying to get those shoes untied might be a little tricky while holding on to it. You could set it down I suppose, but then you'd get all that dirt packed into the wheels.

Either way, removing the mask or not, any rookie who has ever attended even the most remedial clinic knows to go for the appeal with his left hand.


Tim.

Re: Its MY problem
 

why would you have your mask off? i consider myself quite a gentleman, and will continue to shout through my mask. if i get an HSM, ill appeal on a check swing right through the bars. im trying to understand why you have your mask off though. pitch comes in, batter half swings, catcher points and then asks...and in those 5 seconds, why have you decided to take your mask off?

in both states and at the levels i work, refusing to consider using the proper mechanics wouldnt get me too far. im guessing the same is true for most others here.


extend your index finger from the fist you have made around your indicator.

SAump, do you remove your mask between pitches?


Bob P.

More IMPT things
 

Has the union boy explained how I'm gonna dump the indicator and traditional mask to make the proper appeal with my left-hand?

No, he puts a shoe in my hand and dumps my indicator into the dirt to tie my shoelaces. I'm suppose to get up and hold onto my shoe by the shoe-laces, the mask by the strap, and the clicker all in my left hand. Then I'm suppose to swing my left shoulder and arm so that these items smack the back of the catcher's head as I make a proper left-handed appeal towards first base. Did I say DUMB and clumsy?

No, I guess I CANNOT ask for an appeal because someone mistakenly believed I called a strike. Can you appeal a strike with, "DID HE GO?" By rule, NO! But I suppose a few would be misinterpret a proper right-handed appeal when the original call was a BALL. Hey Blue, your not suppose to appeal with your right hand, you called it a ball. YES, confusion. Did I not call it correctly?

This is probably against better judgement, but I'm going to try this.

SAUmp, it is quite possible to hold your indicator AND your mask in your left hand, anytime you take your mask off. You may keep your shoes on,unless you need the digits for mathematical calculations.

The mechanics for a proper appeal on a check swing are pretty simple. You step out from behind the catcher (which would avoid the accidental smacking of him in the back of the head with your plate shoe) and you point with your left hand toward your partner.

I hope thats ok.

Bob P.

Bob,
 

He doesn't get it . . . trust me.

Tee,

Sometimes you can't hold back. These people say the most riduculous things.


Really Amazing.

Bob P.

Clarity
 

The catcher points with his right hand, the pitcher points with his right hand, and the 90% of the rest of the defense (in the field and from the dugout) all point with their right hands. My toes just wiggle at all the right-handedness in baseball.

But union dudes have a thing for the left hand, don't they?
Boy, don't even think about using your right hand.

Any more left handed pointers to know about?

Right-hand Pointers
 

Repeated
10) To signal STRIKE

11) To point towards first base to my partner to signal, "Are you ready to start this game?"

12) To point towards first base to my partner to signal, "DID HE GO?" You may use your LEFT-HAND.

Correction for Tee,
13) Edit "one warm up pitch left" to "check out that mommy over there"

Continued
14) Point to the lights to have the field manager turn them on at an appropriate time.

15) Point out obstruction and award an extra base

16) Point out interference and signal an out

17) Point to the ground and yell "NO Catch" repeatedly

18) Point up into the air and yell "infield fly, if fair"

I'll give it another rest for now while you guys think of some more good lefty indicators

tee was right.

Gee, when I call "ball four" I say "ball four." I have only had a few who still stood there waiting for a fifth one. To these, I simply say "that's four." Always does the trick.

I make my called strikes (first and second) with a point to the right. Very similar to the way Mike Winters or "Cowboy" Joe West does it. Is he going to say that these guys get laughed at when they work games at Minute Maid or the Ballpark At Arlington?

Steve:

He won't get it until his assignor hears about it or an evaluator knicks him for it during an eval. That's assuming he's even being evaluated and critiqued, which from some of the things he says I seriously doubt.

Tim.

Inconsistent with Catcher?
 

Real UMPIRES don't raise either hand or BUTT while pausing to call BALL (4). It has nothing to do with extending the arm outward. That is the proper mechanic and the strike mechanic is entirely different. I think I am asking for the umpire's signal to indicate how a BASE ON BALL AWARD is made by an UMPIRE to alert the official scorekeeper that it is an OFFICIAL decision, and not one made by the BATTER-RUNNER.

First the base on ball award created confusion and then the check swing appeal created confusion. Yikes, baseball experts seem to confuse a particular right handed signal for a strike every time. Now that is the most popular call. So why are these experts confused? Is it really confusion or are we discussing something that goes beyond the "spirit of FAIR PLAY?"

No one has explained how extending the right arm without pointing signals a strike. A catcher can hold his right hand up and everyone recognizes the signal for an intentional base on ball award. No one has explained why I have to keep my mask on to make a check-swing appeal, other than to free my left-hand up for POINTING. A catcher can hold his right hand up and point and everyone will recognize the signal for a check-swing appeal.

It is my responsibility to use mechanics everyone may clearly understand. It is not my responsibility to adopt a separate set of signals so that the RATS can nitpick a judgment call. If they don't understand something clearly, they have the right to request time and ask for a proper explanation. Sometimes I can tell a right or wrong by how he asks a question. Sometimes I just eject the questioner.

These events have even been repeated in this particular thread. Why the double standard for the one person standing two feet behind the catcher. Why have baseball umpires adopted a separate set of signals to communicate the catcher's original intent? Rule 9 comments about an umpire's decisions being final. So now we get around that by questioning his standard mechanics. Let's develop our own signals to avoid the confusion entirely by NOT POINTING with either hand; such as removing the mask or waving an open hand.

<i>It is my responsibility to use mechanics everyone may clearly understand.</i>

Yep - and to achieve that, ue the same signals everyone else does.


<i>It is not my responsibility to adopt a separate set of signals . . . </i>

You already have.


<i> . . . so that the RATS can nitpick a judgment call.</i>

If you toss up an unconventional signal, the teams are going to get confused and the coaches will start nitpicking.

Re: Its MY problem
 

Mary Go Round Lefty
 

I think I am asking for the umpire's signal to indicate how a BASE ON BALL AWARD is made by an UMPIRE to alert the official scorekeeper that it is an OFFICIAL decision, and not one made by the BATTER-RUNNER.

I'll go right again. Real UMPIRES don't raise either hand or BUTT while pausing to call BALL (4). There is no signal to call ball 1-4. Is there no signal to award a batter with a base on balls?

You are looking for a signal so that the scorekeeper knows when the base on ball award is "official"? I've never heard of such a thing.

How about this? The scorekeeper is actually keeping score, knows when you call strikes or not, keeps an accurate count and can figure out(with their shoes on) that the current batter just recieved the fourth ball. The next action "should" be the BR trotting, running or stumbling toward first.

Now, here comes the hard part I suppose. The BR erroneously runs to first on "Ball 3". Oh MY, quite a dilema on our hands!!! What are we to do? Our mechanics are inadequate, we have no signal for this situation. The scorekeeper is confused as well. Was a 'ball' missed? Is the count wrong? On my!!

How do we handle such a play? Any thoughts folks? I have an answer ( once I get my tongue out of my cheek).

Bob P.

If this is a problem I'd suggest preventative action and stop hiring scorekeepers that have been to the free lobotomy clinic.

Hmmm runner runs to 1st on ball 3. At some point we will have time and the umpire will send the runner back to the plate to pick up the bat and get back in the box. No signal necessary to figure this one out.