For your viewing enjoyment...

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by msavakinas

or good timing? I think so...

You can tell good timing from a still shot with no field view? Congrats. I see bad habits.

[TussAgee11]

Don't have much to add other than your shirt tail is coming out, JM. Invest in a flexbelt.

Trying to get a video of me on youtube in the coming weeks... so you all can have at me then

[JJ]

A supervisor once told me that when I point out that strike I should keep my eyes forward. He said if I do it with no runners on base it will become a habit that will continue when there ARE runners on base, and that's the time looking away COULD be a problem (batter's interference, for example). He suggested pointing not toward the dugout but up the first baseline. I know of an NCAA CWS umpire who does it that way - I opted to just keep my eyes forward while still pointing out to the side.
I will agree with posters who said to "marry" the verbal and signal for the strike call. And yes, that is a hard habit to get into. And no, I still don't do it that way. Something about "old dog, new trick..."

JJ

[DG]

bobbybanaduck

When do you point to the side on a strike vs. hammer out front?

[bobbybanaduck]

there were some days that i honestly didn't think about which i was going to use. if the first called strike of the game i happened to go out to the side, then i'd go to the side that day. if i happened to come up with a hammer, then it was the hammer for the day. as i said earlier, if i do happen upon any one man games i'll probably use the hammer so there are always eyes on the field.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by bobbybanaduck

the two part practice (verbal first, visual second) is a very softball-like mechanic. the verbal and visual strike mechanic should be "married," meaning coming out at the same time.

Yt you see it constantly at the MLB level. So, not worth commenting on.

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by bobbybanaduck

the two part practice (verbal first, visual second) is a very softball-like mechanic.

Not only is it "softball-like", it is softball mandated! That is precisely how it's supposed to be done, by the book, for the major softball sanctioning bodies.

It took me awhile to get the hang of the "bifurcated" (two-part) call after coming from a baseball background of giving the simultaneous verbal and visual signal.

I've finally separated the two styles to the point that I can effectively use the correct method for the correct sport. But during the season, if I find myself switching back and forth alot between baseball and softball, every once in awhile I'll catch myself slipping up and doing one the "opposite" way!

[rookieblue]

I gotta thank UmpJM for posting that video, and for the constructive comments from y'all, especially bobbybanaduck. Picked up a few things here painlessly. (Nice photos, too, btw!)

Interesting about the "bifurcated" strike call - our dear Papa C was at one time recommending precisely that, at least for new umpires, to assist with timing.

Thanks all around, gents.

Bob James

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Gentlemen,

I had an evaluation done this past July while working a "summer" HS Soph game (working solo for this game). My evaluator was kind enough to videotape part of the game and send me a copy. Linked below is a video of a few of my calls from that game. I would be interested in your commentary.

Click here to watch UmpJM07142007

Thanks.

JM

I thought you did well. Especially ballsy to call that Stike Three when F2 pulled his mitt back into the zone for no reason.

I would suggest that you have a wee little commo with him about pulling any pitches.

I always keep my helmet on.

Nice job of locating F2 on the foul and backing straight out for distance.

The signalling to the coaches, been there, no scoreboard, do that. Beats having to hear "Blue, what's the count" 200 times a game. Comment: Palms in on showing the count is easier to read from the field. Glance over andmake sure that the 3rd base Coach is looking, forget about the 1B Coach. I like to make certain that F1 sees the count if possible.

The comment about "pointing as if it is a HR" is absurd. Staying down, you do fine, you call a strike when you see a strike.

Learn to use your inicator without looking at it. Notch the wheels so you know where 0-0-0 is.

[umpjim]

Hey ump JM, I was at that Desert Classic with you. You should remember me, I had no clue, Jim Evan's level 4, now level 3; But; I still do have a critique point: I don't like grey ball bags, you should be using black or blue.

Certified level 3 ump