Beckon or Point (to commence play)??

[Bassman]

I was just curious I've seen umpires either:

Point to the pitcher to commence play

or

Beckon to the pitcher.


Which mechanic do you use and are there league/association specific rules regarding either/or??

[505 ump]

A crisp point and a clear "PLAY"

[bobbybanaduck]

are there actually people out there that TEACH people to "beckon" to start play????

[SanDiegoSteve]

Beckoning looks wussy. Whatever FED genius came up with that monstrosity of a signal should be castrated.

[Bassman]

Tell that to MLB #36. He still beckons

[Bassman]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Beckoning looks wussy. Whatever FED genius came up with that monstrosity of a signal should be castrated.

Agreed! ASA also requires the same mechanic.

[bobbybanaduck]

Originally Posted by Bassman

Tell that to MLB #36. He still beckons

when you're as good as mcclelland you go ahead and do whatever you damn well please.

[RPatrino]

So, whats the 'point'?

[ozzy6900]

The old FED mechanic was to beckon. Finally in 2007, the FED came up to speed. Personally, I never beckoned in over 25 years - I always point.

That's the point to it all!

[JRutledge]

I have always pointed.

Peace

[briancurtin]

always point

[Bassman]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

So, whats the 'point'?

It was simply something I was curious about, that's all.

[LomUmp]

Hey all,

Point.

LomUmp

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Bassman

I was just curious I've seen umpires either:

Point to the pitcher to commence play or beckon to the pitcher.

Beckon. No matter how long P sees it, they never abuse by mount and throw

[tcblue13]

a Little OT
I was doing a Little League FP game and F1 whipped a pitch before I pointed. I immediately called NO PITCH and then informed her to wait until I gave her the finger to start an inning. The parents were rolling.