Useful mechanics
 

As the year winds down, we get to posts which are less enthusiastic.

Let this be one.

I find myself giving directions to people in a pointing strike mechanic.

Y'ever catch yourself doing that??

"You go up to the next stop sign and take a right".... pointing out with thumb in the air, index finger pointing, and the other three knuckled under...even with the shoulder and direct to the first base dugout...


Must be the beer(s)...:D

.... pointing out with thumb in the air

Thumb should be bent at the knuckle unless you are using the Ron Luciano six-shooter method (not widely recommended). They (the "big dogs") broke me of that habit when I first went from the hammer to the point.

Nigel,

My philosophy is this,

as long as your timing is good and you are tracking the ball and making what you feel is the right call, that's a great place to start.

If this is the case, use whatever strike mechanic you like. Keep your eye on the ball, and it really does't matter.

Remember, never miss a called third strike.

So, he should keep all this in mind when giving directions to people?:confused:

And I suppose that when you are finished, you "pull the bow" and send them on their way! :D

And here I thought your directions were, "Go that way for about 90 feet. Make a left turn. Repeat."

Yesterday in class I raised my hand like I was signaling an IFF.

At least I didn't give the 4 base award signal :)

Did you give the verbal, "infield fly, batter's out?" That would have gotten everyone's attention! ;)

Walt, you quoted the 1st base coach's manual again!!!

I tried switching from the point to the hammer this year but it didn't work out so good.... the people I was giving directions to seemed confused.

I teach high school marketing and management....
 

classes and I overheard a member of the baseball team last year discussing vibrators and other unsavory matters with a female member of my class during group work. I immediately ejected him with a "you're out of here" and a point toward the door just like an ejection of a player or manager or ASSistant coach in a game I work. He dutifully got up and left and went to the Assistant Principal's office without any argument. The kids, especially other baseball team members, got a kick out of it.
I am very loud when I get angry. Hell, I am loud all the time but even louder when agitated. The kids still joke about when J.S. got ejected from class.

I call summer ball, but not regular season, around here and most of our team have had me call a game they played in so they know my "take charge" attitude at a game is even tighter than in my classroom. Don't get me wrong, I like a good time and a good laugh as much as anybody but when things get a little tight around the sphincter area I take care of whatever needs to be taken care of. (Don't get any ideas). 2007-19 ejections. 2008-4 ejections. My rep for no BS precedes me now. I even hear coaches warn their players when I am walking to the plate for plate meeting " this ump won't take any crap so don't try it, etc. ..."

I had to "E.J." that kid from class twice last year. Now he is almost a man and is starting to act like one. His behavior is much better so far this year.

I prefer coaching third base. Send everybody home and if they're out they didn't run fast enough.

Perhaps one of those vibrators J.S. was discussing could help in that regard! :)



Sorry. I got ideas. Couldn't help myself! :p

Steve, you crack me up!:) :)

Did you at least wait until the teacher was at his/her apex ? :D