Mechanics

[fonzzy07]

Hey as I have said before i am just getting into this. I have seen so many diffrent ways of calling strikes. If you could please tell me how you do it. Also strike 3. Please explain what you are doing not just terms for it. Yes I need baby steps please like first do this next do this and finnaly do this.
thanks

[johnSandlin]

When I call strikes, I point to the right with my right index finger. I do this whether the batter is left handed or right handed.

When calling the 3rd strike, I bring the right fist foward, and the pull back while bringin my left fist forward. Basically, doing a bow and arrow mechanic.

[briancurtin]

• called first and second strike: i use the hammer and verbalize the strike
• swinging first and second strike: point to the right, head doesnt move
• called third strike: right hand flat (palm down) straight in front of me, then i rip it back and punch forward with my left hand, and verbalize 'strike three'.
• swinging caught third strike: point to left, followed by hammer out signal and verbalize 'out'
• swinging uncaught third strike: i take a step to my side and point with my left hand down towards the catcher, verbalize 'no catch', and point to my right while still keeping my eyes on the play. ive become better this season with this, from all of the discussion that came from the doug eddings situation

[Tim C]

" . . . swinging caught third strike: point to left, followed by hammer out signal and verbalize 'out' . . ."

I cannot say that I have ever, or would ever, verbalize "out" on a swinging strike three.

Your mileage may very.

Regards,

[pdxblue]

Originally Posted by Tim C

" . . . swinging caught third strike: point to left, followed by hammer out signal and verbalize 'out' . . ."

I cannot say that I have ever, or would ever, verbalize "out" on a swinging strike three.

Your mileage may very.

Regards,

It was bound to happen that we would agree on something!

I say "strike.......... three". Mik Hendrickson, ex pro umpire, and current PAC-10 umpire who does the training in our local college association tries to get guys to NOT even say "strike three", but rather just "strike", but to use a different mechanic for strike three.

fonz, there are already some good descriptives on how to do the mechanic, so I don't need to offer any more on that. What I will add is that you should really practice in front of a mirror. Look to make your signals crisp, smooth, athletic, and authorative. I give this advice to umpires that I mentor, and you can tell the difference between the guys that actually do this and the ones that don't. The ones that don't usually have sloppy looking mechanics, and are usually too "laid back", and don't look very authorative.

You need to watch other umpires do this, and figure out which style YOU want to try. But, be willing to try the one that looks best on YOU. There is nothing worse than an umpire that could look great doing a hammer, but goes out to the side, and vice versa. Generally speaking (and this is really just the way I see it....nothing more), I think shorter/stockier umpires look best doing the hammer, while taller/lankier umpire look better going out to the side. This sort of coincides with stance too though. Taller guys generally NEED to work out of the scissors, and certainly, if you work out of the scissors, you will always look better calling a strike pointing out to the side. Shorter guys generally work in the box stance, and I really think the "hammer" looks best out of the box stance.

Be willing to try both ways. Be honest with yourself on how each looks, and also get some opinions from other umpires who you respect the opinions of (and trust me, you SHOULD NOT TRUST the opinion of every umpire!!!).

Good luck.

[kylejt]

I disagree.

I like the Haaaaaaaaaaaaa!

[waltjp]

Mostly good advice here. I agree, calling balls and strikes takes practice and you'll eventually develop your own style. Do what you're comfortable with.

Timing is the real key. Don't be in a hurry. It was mentioned earlier - see the pitch, see it again in your mind, then announce the pitch. It will give you time to see those close ones again.

Also, in addition to practicing in front of a mirror (wait til the wife isn't home!) I'd suggest trying to find someone to run a video camera so you can review the film. Often time what we think we're doing looks totally different when we get to see it.

HRIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by Tim C

" . . . swinging caught third strike: point to left, followed by hammer out signal and verbalize 'out' . . ."

I cannot say that I have ever, or would ever, verbalize "out" on a swinging strike three.

Your mileage may very.

Regards,

you know i know better than that tim, from reading your exact opinion that you just posted. it was a typo.
im not sure if this is accepted, or right, but i do say 'strike three' or 'three' loud enough for only the catcher to hear.

[DG]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

• called first and second strike: i use the hammer and verbalize the strike
• swinging first and second strike: point to the right, head doesnt move
• called third strike: right hand flat (palm down) straight in front of me, then i rip it back and punch forward with my left hand, and verbalize 'strike three'.
• swinging caught third strike: point to left, followed by hammer out signal and verbalize 'out'
• swinging uncaught third strike: i take a step to my side and point with my left hand down towards the catcher, verbalize 'no catch', and point to my right while still keeping my eyes on the play. ive become better this season with this, from all of the discussion that came from the doug eddings situation

This one is the closest to what I do so I will start with it.[*]called first and second strike: I use the hammer out front and verbalize the strike[*]swinging first and second strike: I use the hammer out front and don't say anything[*]called third strike; fist toward the pitcher, pulled back as the left fist replaces the right, verbalizing "strike"[*]swinging caught third strike, a "little" hammer out front, no words[*]swinging uncaught third strike; a "little" hammer out front, and I say "no catch"[*]swinging uncaught third strike when there was an attempted check swing; I point to the batter with left hand, say "yes he went", followed by "no catch"

[RPatrino]

I stopped using the 'hammer' at all, either for a swinging or called strike. It looks too much like you are calling an out, and ala Eddings, we know what that can do to an otherwise calm, well run game.

For all strikes, called or swinging, I use the point. On an uncaught third strike, I signal the swing with a point. If everyone is acting confused I will signal "no catch". I will not verbalize anything, and if the BR is tagged at the plate I will then signal an out with a hammer.

The only time I will verbalize, "batter is out" is on an uncaught third strike where the BR is not eligible to advance to 1st, and this is merely to avoid mass confusion on a grand scale.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Fonz,

Called strikes (first and second strikes): I watch the pitch all the way to the mitt. I then call it to myself. This gives me 2 things, a confirmation of what I just saw, and proper timing. You don't want to jump up and call "Strike" the second the catcher catches the ball. You don't have to be ridiculously slow either. See the pitch to the mitt, call it in your own mind, then you are ready to perform the call itself.

At this point, I stand up out of my stance (let's say a basic heel/toe crouching style) and move my right leg closer to my left leg to about shoulder width and point to the right with my right index finger. Some guys like the "hammer" and just come up with their fist closed, but I prefer to point to the right. Some point to the left for left handed batters, but I go to the right for everyone. I also make my verbal call at the same time as I do the mechanic. Many umpires like to call the pitch when they are still in their stance, and then stand up to signal. The point is that everybody has their own style, and you will find the one that is comfortable for you.

As well as many ways to signal a strike, there are just as many different ways of saying a strike. Some guys yell "Strike" and some like "Steeeee" or "Sti". Since about my second season, I have preferred to say "Ha" which is very popular. I say it very loud, and often I will hear a youngster nearby imitate the call, and I guess that's the most sincere form of flattery, so I've heard. Again, experiment in your living room with different calls until you come up with one you really like.

Swinging strikes (1 and 2): A very non-chalant point to the side or "hammer" out signal (Whichever you like). Don't be in a big hurry to signal, since everyone in the place sees that it is a strike.

Swinging strike 3: I prefer a solid hammer, but no rush on the call here either. If it is an uncaught 3rd strike with less than 2 outs and 1st base open, or with 2 outs, the runner can run to first and must be either tagged or thrown out at 1st base. On these, I signal with an emphatic double point and say "no catch" if it is not obvious to all. There are threads in which this is discussed at length, so just use the search function.

Strike 3 called: The most exciting of all strike calls. Time to show a little flair. It doesn't need to be ostentatious like Leslie Nielsen in Naked Gun, but should stand out and really sell the call. I use the "pull the chain" or "chainsaw" style. If nobody is on base, I turn to the right and do it, and if there are runners, I do not turn, instead I do it facing forward. I say "Haaaaa" even louder and longer, and then stand and extend my right arm forward and yank it back while extending my left arm and fist forward. I try to throw in a little Frank Pulli footwork, kind of a quick Ali Shuffle type thing. HTBT!!

I'm not writing a book here, but you get the general idea. Watch a lot of MLB games and watch the umpires intently, and not just the players. Watch the timing that they use, not only when working the plate, but on the bases as well. Slower is always better than faster, as it gives you just a bit more time to review the pitch or play in your head, giving you a better chance of getting the call right.

I hope this helps.

Steve

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

As well as many ways to signal a strike, there are just as many different ways of saying a strike. Some guys yell "Strike" and some like "Steeeee" or "Sti". Since about my second season, I have preferred to say "Ha" which is very popular.

Steve

I prefer to say "HIKE" instead of strike...it sounds just like "STRIKE" but more articulate...you can still say it with authority instead of screaming a sound versus a word. Again, just a preference.

[nickrego]

There are several reasons why you would say "Haaaaaaa", or "Hike", instead of "Strike".

1. 'Strike' is harder on the vocal cords, at loud volumes, than the other words.
2. If you wear a Mask, instead of an HSM, the jaw movement required to say Strike is difficult, unless your mask is ridiculously loose.
3. You were a really bad Ventriloquist in a previous life.

I don't think anybody cares what you say, as long as they know it's a strike (when it actually is).

[NFump]

Now it's more difficult to speak in a traditional mask than a HSM! Oh brother! Nick, we get it! YOU love the HSM!

[LMan]

Originally Posted by NFump

Now it's more difficult to speak in a traditional mask than a HSM! Oh brother! Nick, we get it! YOU love the HSM!

It heals troubled marriages, also