Ball Four

[LLPA13UmpDan]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Do you mean you don't yell "BALL FOUR. TAKE YOUR BASE!" and then point to first? How's a batter to know he's just been "walked"?

I know a guy that will do that when a batters been hit by pitch "Time, I got a dead ball (points to first) batter take your base"

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Do you mean you don't yell "BALL FOUR. TAKE YOUR BASE!" and then point to first? How's a batter to know he's just been "walked"?

You are joking, aren't you Garth?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

You are joking, aren't you Garth?

Do I need to add more smilies?

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Do I need to add more smilies?

Sorry, the smiles were not appearing on any posts.

[BigTex]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

I know a guy that will do that when a batters been hit by pitch "Time, I got a dead ball (points to first) batter take your base"

I am sure you have a "friend" who does that.

[waltjp]

I call "Ball" only. If the batter looks at me with that confused look I'll tell him that's 4.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by waltjp

I call "Ball" only. If the batter looks at me with that confused look I'll tell him that's 4.

The last time I had a batter who stayed at the plate after I called the fourth "Ball", the catcher told him..."Hey, pal, we're only giving four to a batter today...get your a$$ to first, slug."

I loved it. And I've stolen it. If I get another batter who can't count to four I'll use it, minus the "get your a$$ to first, slug."

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by GarthB

The last time I had a batter who stayed at the plate after I called the fourth "Ball", the catcher told him..."Hey, pal, we're only giving four to a batter today...get your a$$ to first, slug."

I loved it. And I've stolen it. If I get another batter who can't count to four I'll use it, minus the "get your a$$ to first, slug."

I'll say just "Ball" loud and clear and if the batter doesn't move, i'll go "that's 4" to the batter in a conversational voice.

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by LLPA13UmpDan

I say "ball 4". and same thing with strike 3 looking. other wise on 1,2,3 i say "ball".

There's your answer folks. Based on this post alone, we should all know whether to say "four" or not.

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

You tell everyone it's strike THREE, don't you?

No.

You do? That actually surprises me quite a bit.

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Do you verbally announce "ball four", or do you simply say "ball" on ball four. I've been taught that by making the verbal announcement that it's ball four we can help to eliminate unnecessary confusion. I know that the game's participants and our partners should know the count at all times, but we all know that isn't always the case.


Tim.

I have been umpiring for 15 years and never said "ball four", but after reading these posts I will change this upcoming season and say "ball four." It just make sense to avoid any confusion on the play. I still will not point towards first like I see some umps do.

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

No.

You do? That actually surprises me quite a bit.

I also say strike three, I don't say strike one or strike two.

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

I have been umpiring for 15 years and never said "ball four", but after reading these posts I will change this upcoming season and say "ball four." It just make sense to avoid any confusion on the play. I still will not point towards first like I see some umps do.

You've been a good umpire for 15 years. Don't pick up bad habits just because the LL trolls here tell you to. The only actual umpire who has told you do say "Ball four" here is Rich - the rest ... not so much. (And as I mentioned, it shocked me the Rich said he does this). Note the guys who have said not to do this - surely they carry a BIT more weight than the guys (other than Rich) saying to say Ball Four, don't ya think?

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

You've been a good umpire for 15 years. Don't pick up bad habits just because the LL trolls here tell you to. The only actual umpire who has told you do say "Ball four" here is Rich - the rest ... not so much. (And as I mentioned, it shocked me the Rich said he does this). Note the guys who have said not to do this - surely they carry a BIT more weight than the guys (other than Rich) saying to say Ball Four, don't ya think?

I think it is a good tool to use. We have to remember sometimes the batter may forget the count and I don't see using this as a problem. If you want to use it go ahead, if you don't, don't!!!

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

I also say strike three, I don't say strike one or strike two.

Most people's signals (some might say antics) differ significantly on strike three from strikes 1 and 2, especially on a called strike 3. But there is no reason for us to say strike three. And if you don't buy it coming from me or the other guys here that agree ... please watch MLB, MiLB, or NCAA guys - they don't do it either.