Using left hand for some mechanics

[Rich]

Originally Posted by GarthB

When getting help from BU, use your left hand. But why is he using any hand when awarding first on the HBP? Do batters in your area forget where first is?

Actually, this is one place I do point. And so do the guys on TV. It tells the others that a batter was hit and that's not always obvious.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

Actually, this is one place I do point. And so do the guys on TV. It tells the others that a batter was hit and that's not always obvious.

I point, too, after calling time, but at the batter, as I was taught, not at first base.

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by GarthB

I point, too, after calling time, but at the batter, as I was taught, not at first base.

I think I learned it as, handle an HBP just like any other dead ball award - by pointing to the base being awarded. A base on balls is a live ball award, hence, no pointing.

[BigUmp56]

While we're on the subject. Do you point at a check swing or bunt attempt with your right or left hand, or do you not point at all? I was taught to point at the area in front of the plate while verbalizing "yes, he did." I use my right hand but I would be curious to see what you all think.


Tim.

[briancurtin]

i go with the left one on that

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

While we're on the subject. Do you point at a check swing or bunt attempt with your right or left hand, or do you not point at all? I was taught to point at the area in front of the plate while verbalizing "yes, he did." I use my right hand but I would be curious to see what you all think.


Tim.

The mechanic I learned is to point using the hand on the side of the plate as the batter -- point using the left hand for a righthanded batter and using the right hand for a lefthanded batter.

[SAump]

I would bet there are many umpires who appeal check swings with their right hand. I disagree with the given rational behind left handed checkswing appeals, but I will not be picking NITS again on this thread. Despite my reservations, I can adopt the "correct" mechanic simply to please the bosses. The left handed check swing mechanic is now gaining universal appeal. I learned about it by reading this website. I would still prefer PU point at the batter with his fully extended left arm and then ask BU, "Did HE go?" That seems to be the only realistic provision for this mechanic.

[RPatrino]

SA, this is how i do it. I step away from the plate, point to mypartner with myleft hand and ask him "Did he go?" If the answer is yes, then I signal the strike with my right hand.

I only point at the batter with my left hand if they are hit by a pitch, after calling time. I never point to first on a base on balls.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

The mechanic I learned is to point using the hand on the side of the plate as the batter -- point using the left hand for a righthanded batter and using the right hand for a lefthanded batter.

Same here. I also point to 1st base with the left hand for HBP awards after calling "Time," but never point on base on balls, nor verbalize more than "Ball 4."

[DG]

I have never pointed to 1st base after a ball four, with either hand. I have told the batter "that was four", if it appeared he did not know already, but have never pointed.

On a check swing I use either hand, whichever is most convenient for the situation, but there is no mistaking a strike since I hammer a strike, I don't point. On a check swing appeal I always step to the side and ask "did he go". So there is no mistaking a check swing appeal. I was taught to hammer and never tried to do anything else.

[mick]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

The mechanic I learned is to point using the hand on the side of the plate as the batter -- point using the left hand for a righthanded batter and using the right hand for a lefthanded batter.

Makes sense.
Then yer not breaking your index finger on the catcher's helmet.
mick

[Big A]

I was taught to always point with my left hand. I never point on a base on balls I just say "Ball four".

[ggk]

don't know if this was already mentioned but another reason NOT to point to first on ball 4 is that it may be misconstrued as a request for help on a check swing. i worked with a partner last week who pointed at me on every ball 4. a couple of which were check swings. luckily i was used to his habit by the time the check swing/ball 4 occurred.

[radwaste50]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

While we're on the subject. Do you point at a check swing or bunt attempt with your right or left hand, or do you not point at all? I was taught to point at the area in front of the plate while verbalizing "yes, he did." I use my right hand but I would be curious to see what you all think.


Tim.

I have been instructed to point with left "yes he did" then give strike mechanic