Ball Four

[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.

[jpc2119]

i only say "Ball" on balls 1-3, I say "Ball 4" for ball 4 just to eliminate confusion by the batter who perhaps didn't know what the count was.

[Rich]

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.

"Ball FOUR."

[ozzy6900]

Ball!

It's not my job to tell you it's ball 4.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Ball!

It's not my job to tell you it's ball 4.

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

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

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

I like "strike 3"

I hate "ball 4"

I like strikes and outs!

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I like "strike 3"

I hate "ball 4"

I like strikes and outs!

I guess it's not really our job to make sure everyone knows it's ball four, but it can sure help to avoid a $h1t storm if there are runners forced by the award.


Tim.

[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 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 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.

[U of M Sam]

Question based on OP.
If "ball four" is verbalized, do those same umps verbalize "strike three" when it applies?
Sam

[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.

[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 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!!!

Boys, we've lost another one to the dark side. Now you see why it's a bad thing to put LLD and the like on ignore?