Invisibility

[mbyron]

My training was that invisibility is a standard Smitty principle (the term used by the pros was "Charlie," but you get the point), used by umpires who lack confidence and knowledge of rules and mechanics. Umpires have a role to play on the field, and they should adjust their volume and visibility as appropriate to the role. Close calls, for example, require selling.

BTW, I was trained always to verbalize "Ball," since failing to verbalize anything can interfere with your timing and can make you look indecisive. The only pitches on which I verbalize nothing are those so bad that the catcher fails or nearly fails to catch them.