See Me Umpire

[canadaump6]

InterestedUmp, where have you been hiding? What's happened to Donovan- I haven't seen him in ages either. Good to see you back.

I take it I should be signaling lower. How much lower?

[Interested Ump]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

InterestedUmp, where have you been hiding? What's happened to Donovan- I haven't seen him in ages either. Good to see you back.

I take it I should be signaling lower. How much lower?

Thanks for the welcome, I nearly missed it with the parade of them coming from all four corners of the forum. The Deej is fine and I will pass along your nice thoughts. During the winter, I make him hibernate with the other bears. It renews his pi** and vinegar.

Not lower with the signaling, I would suggest that the level of the hands is adjustable to the positioning of the B and F2. I am under 6 feet which means I often side step to the open batter;s box to signal the count, if F2 is standing, for instance.

Our philosophy on signalling is that to accomodate the three most important people in any pitch. F1, B and F2. Personally, I try to find a "quiet time" where I can get the attention of all three with hand signals primarily for F1 not necessarily in tandem with a verbal announcement for the ears of B and F2


For simplicity, I do not announce every Ball or Strike especially if the obvious pitch well outside the zone has occured, I try not to interfere with my commo when coaches, F1/F2, others may be attempting their own.

I see in the responses that many do, goody for them. I find many umpires take this opportunity to bring focus to themselves and announce every single pitch. I might suggest that they purchase rooms full of mirrors and echo chambers to satiate their need to be heard and seen.

Hopefully, I answered your question. Signalling has one purpose, to bring attention to the umpire.

No, strike that.

It is to commo the count as a reminder, a courtesy, an improvement to the level of play, service to the game.

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

InterestedUmp, where have you been hiding? What's happened to Donovan- I haven't seen him in ages either. Good to see you back.

I take it I should be signaling lower. How much lower?

Hey, kiddo, as always I see you're pushinmg the education curve, good for you. Remember when you get advice, especially from the fatsos who are limited by their bellies position-wise. They tend to be the ones that "let their gear do the job it's supposed to"; translation - can't get low enough to get protect from F2.

All this "how they teach at school" is a laff. I've seen 50 schools and about as many "mandatory" things that differ. Just don't poke anyone in the eye.

I hear the "MLB umpires leave their hands exposed, on th eknee, etc etc" all the time. You're prolly umping ball where the catchers are as about as good as the one in your film.

Tuck that sucker away anywhere it won't take a shot and that does not include on top of the knee b/c it looks "good."

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by fitump56

Tuck that sucker away anywhere it won't take a shot and that does not include on top of the knee b/c it looks "good."

I'm wondering if it's even worth trying to explain how properly locking in is essential in maintaining proper head height throughout a game.............

Tim.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by fitump56

Hey, kiddo, as always I see you're pushinmg the education curve, good for you. Remember when you get advice, especially from the fatsos who are limited by their bellies position-wise. They tend to be the ones that "let their gear do the job it's supposed to"; translation - can't get low enough to get protect from F2.

All this "how they teach at school" is a laff. I've seen 50 schools and about as many "mandatory" things that differ. Just don't poke anyone in the eye.

I hear the "MLB umpires leave their hands exposed, on th eknee, etc etc" all the time. You're prolly umping ball where the catchers are as about as good as the one in your film.

Tuck that sucker away anywhere it won't take a shot and that does not include on top of the knee b/c it looks "good."

Get low enough? That's all I need to read to determine that nobody should take advice from you. As if "getting low" is good advice for calling balls and strikes.

[baseballccv]

Be carefull who you listen to when you ask for feedback from others. However good intentioned some may be, they think they know, but they do not know.

here are a few things a noticed from your video. (you didn't even have to pay to go to umpire school for this advice.

---Before you walk in behind your catcher, put your mask on. It should be on and ready to go before you even start to walk behind him. Then all you have to do is get in slot and wait.
-----Timing is quick at times. proper use of eyes will take care of that. See the pitch all the way to the mitt. Do not be in a hurry.
-----hold indicator in hand with pointer and thumb, not with pinky and thumb.
-----put arms up at same time, and signal with fingers at same time when giving the count. 1 ball 1 strike.
-----regular strike mechanic is too high. keep it down just below shoulder if you are going out to the side like that. still be visible with it , just will look much better.
----you look good in your uniform. nice and clean and well fitting.

[Interested Ump]

Originally Posted by baseballccv

Be carefull who you listen to when you ask for feedback from others. However good intentioned some may be, they think they know, but they do not know.

Agree; erudite observation from a "first" time poster.

[justanotherblue]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Pretty Smitty. I don't think that's the way it's taught at the school. Anyone back me up on this assumption?

I got it, no it's not taught that way at school

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by justanotherblue

I got it, no it's not taught that way at school

Or PBUC, or college clinics for that matter. I doubt LL western regional teaches that either.

[justanotherblue]

I have a close friend who has taught down at western region, and nope not there either, that about covers em all.

[Interested Ump]

Quote:Originally Posted by Interested Ump
Watch out for the “Strike” hand over the head of F2; he may popup on you with a throwing arm or his head.

I think the reason not to signal high like that is because it looks like hell. You have to be aware of the situation and stay out of the catcher's way, no matter how you signal strikes.

let me see if I understand you. It "looks like hell" to use a high, elevated strike signal iynsho. "Looks" are in the Eye Of The Beholder. I happen to dislike the looks of obese umpires.

[ilump45]

Good job. Timing was very good. I just go 2-2 1-1 3-0. I do not like "twenty-two, or "thirty". The only thing about balls and strikes is that you dont want anyone to question if you said ball or strike. I call a ball quick and silent, and a resounding strike.

[RPatrino]

Canada, you wouldn't have had any problems with the girls softball if you could have just kept your pants on!! (WINK)

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

I've got a video up of me making some calls behind the plate. I'd like to get as much feedback as possible. A few questions:

1) Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count or "one and one"? Is either okay?
2) Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls?
3) Was I working far enough from the catcher?
4) How was the timing?
5) How was my use of the eyes?

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vztdbMGo8CQ

It looks good to me, although it seems you set up rather far from the catcher, laterally. If a right-handed batter were at bat, it seems you would almost be standing behind the batter as opposed in the slot. But that's hard to gage without an actual batter.

I think you look good!

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[RPatrino]

Fitty, I normally don't read your posts, but occasionally will see one of your replies in someone elses posts.

Please clarify for me your comment, "can't get low enough to get protect from F2". My assumption is that you using sarcasm as a form of humor?