Foul tip signal

[Tim C]

"The foul tip mechanic is not a useless mechanic. It should be used as a communication mechanic between umpires."

Mid:

I respect your opinion.

I feel it is useless. I do not consider it "communication between umpires" as I feel it is primarily a signal used by the PU to note certain specific things.

That is why, in my opinion, I feel it is useless EXCEPT when it is an advantage too me.

I give the signal ONLY when the foul tip helps me with my job. The two most common times are on the checked/unchecked swing and when a hitter attempts to pull the bat back on a bunt attempt (I would also use it, obviously, if the batter was trying to evade a pitch and the ball tipped the bat).

I would NEVER give the foul tip signal when the batter takes a full fledged swing at a ball and "happens" to tip the ball. I simply give a "strike" signal.

From my view (as a base umpire) I can't really remember anytime I really even cared if a ball was signaled a foul tip or not. Maybe it has happen but I just don't remember it.

Of course my experience is limited and I haven't worked every game ever played.

Sometimes it just seems that way.

Regards,

[midamumpire]

Tim:

I'm not disagreeing with you about when to use the mechanic. I think that some umpires do take the mechanic too far in a "look at me" sort of way. To give the mechanic on a pitch down the middle that is tipped is pretty ridiculous.

However, I think you need to take into consideration that if the ball either skips in the dirt or is caught cleanly.

I feel you need to give the mechanic so your partner(s) know you have something and if they know that the ball hit the ground before the catcher caught it, then they can let you know that it is a foul ball, not a foul tip. They need to know that you have contact because they cannot hear the tip, but they can see if it was caught or not. Confusion can set in quickly - runner stealing on the play, dropped 3rd strike/foul ball - if the information is not relayed. While these scenarios don't happen often they do happen and giving the mechanic can prevent having to get together later to change the call and having a s••thouse mess on your hands.

I guess what I'm saying is this is another scenario that needs to be added to your list of advantageous times.

[bob jenkins]

IMO, another "useless" signal: Time play with R3 only and two outs. It would take a real TWP to have the BR make the third out after reaching first and before R3 reaches the plate.

[Tim C]

"IMO, another "useless" signal: Time play . . . "

And as I have stated before: I do not give the "Time Play" signal at any time nor do I answer it if it is given to me.

Regards,

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Tim C

And as I have stated before: I do not give the "Time Play" signal at any time nor do I answer it if it is given to me.

Gee, that's strange...the pros all do. I am constantly watching for these things and always see this signal given when there are two outs and a time play situation. If it's good enough for MLB umpires, why is it beneath you to use the signal? All it is is a reminder that there are two outs and a possible time play exists and to be alerted to that fact.

I'm not saying that you have to be obnoxious about the signal. I've seen that extreme with big, ostentatious signaling that some ham actors do when working the plate. I'm talking about a nice, discreet two fingers on the wrist.