plate mechanic

[Dave Hensley]

I editorialize, within limits. Instead of saying "ball," I will use the following verbals:

That's low (or down).
That's up.
That missed.
Nope.

as well as the traditional "ball" for probably half the balls I call.

I think my editorializing habit helps me a bit with my timing, and I know it keeps me more relaxed and comfortable behind the plate. I think catchers speak my language pretty consistently and I very rarely have a catcher or a rat peppering me with "where was that."

Works for me.

One final caveat - I'm talking ONLY verbals. I would never, ever, editorialize a ball with a hand motion. That looks ridiculous.