Umpire Verbal Communication/Signals

[UmpJM]

Pete,

Good question. What I try to do is...

Verbal communication:

"That's a catch" or "Ball's down" when I have coverage on a catch/no catch that is not "in front" of my partner.

"Bill, I've got 3rd if he goes" on a 1st to 3rd rotation, followed by "I've got 3rd" if I see a play developing at 3rd or "Bill, I'm going home" if I judge there will be no play at 3rd, but might be one at home. And, "Bill, I'm on the line" when the pre-pitch sitch calls for a 1st to 3rd rotation, but there is a "trouble ball" hit toward the RF line.

"Yes, he did!" (pointing w LH at batter) on a checked swing I judge to be an offer, "Bill, did he go?" (pointing w LH at partner) on a check swing appeal.

"Bill, I've got this end" in a rundown when I'm in position and the play starts moving away from me.

"See you in seven. Don't suck." (w. a "fist bump") as we part company after the plate conference.

Hand signals:

Number of outs, followed by "1st to 3rd" or "staying home". I do this on pretty much each new at bat and any time when the sitch changes during an at bat.

IFF - I go w. a fist for no outs, raised index finger for 1 out to the bill of the cap. (Oddly, I give myself this signal when working solo, a fairly common occurrence during the summer months.) If 3B is open, I follow with a "fist pop", index finger pointing to 3rd for "PU will take R2 into 3B on a tag up".

Time play - Two fingers to the top of the left wrist.

Good call and/or nice hustle on a rotation - discreet "fist pop".

Let's talk during the next 1/2 inning change - forearms crossed.

GLM sighting - thumbs and index fingers together, pointing down, w. tips of index fingers at top of belt buckle, followed by 1 or 3 fingers to indicate which side of field, followed by the row number in the bleachers, starting from the bottom. (I find the alternative mechanic somewhat "indiscreet".)

JM

[justanotherblue]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Pete,

Good question. What I try to do is...

GLM sighting - thumbs and index fingers together, pointing down, w. tips of index fingers at top of belt buckle, followed by 1 or 3 fingers to indicate which side of field, followed by the row number in the bleachers, starting from the bottom. (I find the alternative mechanic somewhat "indiscreet".)

JM

Now that's looking after your partner

[RPatrino]

How about the infamous, 'noose tying and string up' signal? You 'hung me out to dry partner', usually followed by a 'let's meet between innings'.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

IFF - I go w. a fist for no outs, raised index finger for 1 out to the bill of the cap. (Oddly, I give myself this signal when working solo, a fairly common occurrence during the summer months.)

And I thought I was the only one who did that! I even gave myself the two finger tap on the wrist for time plays when I was by myself. Just to make sure my head was in the game. Working solo it's easy to zone out if your not careful.

[RPatrino]

How many times have you asked for help on a check swing when working solo? I have.

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

How many times have you asked for help on a check swing when working solo? I have.

Bob,

Ummm....., well...... Three, I guess. Twice it was "just for fun". Once I kinda' sorta' had to.

JM

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

How many times have you asked for help on a check swing when working solo? I have.

Every time they forget there's only one of me and tell me to ask for help (or if they give me, "are you SURE, Blue?"). I then confirm my original call. I point to first and ask "did he go?" Then I say, "no, he didn't go!"

Never fails to get major laughs, as it is an oldie but a goodie.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

And I thought I was the only one who did that! I even gave myself the two finger tap on the wrist for time plays when I was by myself. Just to make sure my head was in the game. Working solo it's easy to zone out if your not careful.

I give signals for two reasons - 1) To remind my partner of a situation, and 2) To remind MYSELF of a situation. Logically, then, I give signals even when working solo.
JJ

[ozzy6900]

Nothing ticks me off more (on the bases) than lack of communication from my partner. If I am in the "A" position and there is a fly ball to center field, my responsibility (2 man system) is to the batter-runner not the ball. Now it would be nice to hear "That's a catch, Mario" rather than me high-tailing it, full speed into the infield. Heh, I aint young anymore!

As far as the balls & strikes, I use an indicator and I try to be as accurate as possible. Give the count now and then because I do not give players the count when asked. I stop the action and refer to the PU to give the player the count, "Mr. Umpire, this player needs the count!". That usually puts a stop the that stupidity very quickly. I can't stand someone needing the count every 5 seconds, arrgh! Worse yet, the PU gives the count and "Earl Weaver" in the 3rd base coach's box turns and says "What's the count, Blue?" - double arrrrgh!

Hand signals:

1. Rotation - closed fist with thumb and pinky sticking out, rotating back & forth a couple of times.
2. 3rd base coverage - given by the PU as he decides
3. IFF - closed fist at the hat brim = no outs. One finger on the hat brim = 1 out.
4. Fly ball coverage - pounding fists on top of each other (PU's signal)
5. Outs - outs signaled to the side, discreetly.
6. Time play - number of outs indicated where the watch is worn.
7. "I Screwed the Pooch!" - hat rotated to the side then forward! (not official - yet!)

All signals are covered in the pre-game meeting and most important, all signals are to be verified by the both umpires!

[ajjl22]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Pete,



GLM sighting - thumbs and index fingers together, pointing down, w. tips of index fingers at top of belt buckle, followed by 1 or 3 fingers to indicate which side of field, followed by the row number in the bleachers, starting from the bottom. (I find the alternative mechanic somewhat "indiscreet".)

I looked in the IHSA mechanics manual and this signal has been approved for the 2009 season!