When to signal, or not to...

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by David B

I think and teach that the most important thing an umpire does is often his signals. Players and coaches can't always hear an umpire (especially when there's a big crowd etc., )

However, I use the signal when necessary approach on pick off plays and other obvious.

But for a young umpire, if he wants to signal that's fine, I can get away with it while he can't.

But if a play demands a signal it needs to be there. Catch no catch always needs a "selling" signal especially in the outfield. (I've seen this happen in a state championship HS game that cost a team two outs simply because the umpire did NOT give a catch/no catch signal.)

But I've also seen guys who "overkill" every signal. Kind of like yelling foul on an obvious foul ball. I saw a guy on TV this weekend (LLWS) who was in LF flying like a bird on a ball that wasn't even close to being caught! Everyone knew it was a base hit so it demands nothing from the umpire.

Thanks
David

Dave -

I agree except one thing. If I was the LF Ump, I'd signal there, cause it may be my only chance in my time at Williamsport to do something!

Guy was probably bored out of his mind out there.