See Me Umpire

[mlbnascarfan]

1) Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count or "one and one"? Is either okay?

In the minor leagues of professional baseball youa re taught to say one ball and one strike (or whatever the correct number of balls/strikes is). Also, there is no such thing as a "full count", that is actually a media term. Finally, when you have either two balls or two strikes it is always indicated with the index and ring finger and never the index and pinky fingers.

2) Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls?

Jim Evans teaches that on pitches that are balls, the call should be lound enough for the dugouts to hear. On strikes the call should be loud enough to be heard in the stands and should get progressively louder from strike one to strike three.

3) Was I working far enough from the catcher?

Its difficult to evaluate your stance from the video, however you should be set up in the slot such that the toes of your front foot are on the same line as the heels of the catcher and the and the toes of your foot are in the same line as the heel of your front foot. In addition, your trail foot should be turned slightly outward. This will help you to avoid having the catcher make contact with you should he need to pop up to throw.

Your head height should be that your chin should be no lower then the top of the catchers head.

4) How was the timing?

See number 5
5) How was my use of the eyes?

This is also difficult to see on the video. You should be tracking the ball all the way into the catchers mitt. the call is made mentally, the signal is dne physically. The sequence should be somthing like....your eyes track the ball into the mitt, you decide in your mind the pitch is a strike, then you come up and signal strike.

The mechanics for strike and out are the same. You extend your right hand like you are ging to shake someoens hand, then make a fist and band on someones door.

I hope this helps.

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