When to signal, or not to...

[aceholleran]

Tuss, I agree on the "no safe" call.

I use the Aunt Tessie logic (she was a character invented by my dad). When even Aunt T. in the stands knows he's safe, then don't bother. Too many "safes", IMHO, look amateurish. On the distaff side, cans o' corn on fly balls need no "out" call either.

Yes, I give a pianissimo verbal on swinging strikes. Dave Hensley beats me up about this, as will some of our other august members. I believe every pitch demands a verbal from PU, excepting obviously foul balls.

I also add a little emphasis to an unchecked swing or simpering bunt offer. I point with the left hand and say "He went," but not too loudly, more like mezzo-forte. I try not to overuse this, but I believe this can be a very good communicator.

In general, as age and level of players rise, less needs to be communciated by arbiters.

Gang, I saw Tuss (U3) put on a great show this year on a tetchy fair/foul down the LF line. I was U1 and needed his input as I cut into the infield to watch B-r touch 1B. It was a key spot in the game, and, if I recall correctly, a fair ball here would have changed the complexion of the game. Mayhaps he overdid it, but in sitches like this, I like overkill better than diffidence.

I think this is a really valuable thread. I'd like to see more of our members chime in on what mechanics they use and eschew.

Ace