The Point , The hammer, turning your head from the field

[kcg NC2Ablu]

I have in the past done this as my signal : in the modified gerry davis I use I see the pitch stand turn open slightly and give the "old school" point as I verbally call the pitch. I have been since told that I should be using the hammer... then told it didnt matter but to not turn my head from the field for even a second. Just to preface that this is in rgaurds to a 2 and 3 umpire crew.
Yet when we go out to break up the conference they still want us to beat the catcher back to the plate which leaves our back to the field and let our partner handle it from there.
I ask what is the MAJOR difference between the first turning of the head (the field is actually still in decent view) where as when I turn and hustle back I have NO view of the field.
I know the first response is going to be that the ball hasnt been put back in play yet... but I just want to understand the method behind the madness so to speak.

(I have changed to just the straight up hammer similar to Ed hickox)

[David B]

Originally Posted by msavakinas

time is out when you are running back after a conference at the mound...

if you point and turn head it's not a big deal, in fact most around here do it.

But i think pointing while looking straight forward looks kinda dumb in my opinion. People will tell you different things about this just go with what works for you and looks the most crisp.

I agree, people in different levels have told me different things, but I just don't think it's that big a deal.

Just what are you missing? Don't know.

Thanks
David

[SanDiegoSteve]

For the majority of my 21 years umpiring, I worked the scissors and pointed to the right for both left and right handed batters. I always turned my head with the point, and never missed a thing on the field. My peripheral vision never left the baseball, and my timing was such that if the catcher were to make a snap throw, I would be all over it. No problems, no worries.

That doesn't mean you should do a Dutch Rennert exaggerated, prolonged point to the side, where you are looking away from the field for a good 5 seconds like he used to do. Just a strike call and point, then back to facing front.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I agree with Steve. You can go the side as long as you have good timing.
You have all the time in the world to make that strike call, and you should use it to get that borderline pitch correct.

I am a hammer guy, so I get the bonus points on my evaluations for keeping my eyes on the field at all times.

BUT, I agree with above. As long as you are using good timing, you aren't missing anything by turning your head.

[kcg NC2Ablu]

thanks for the input!!! I agree with what alot of you are saying just wondered why the people in charge are saying what they are saying. I have been complimented on my timing several times so Im pretty sure there is no issue there..... but thanks for all the input