Always "Play" to start the game...
Year or so ago, worked some Cal State Fullerton scrimmages in the off-season. Worked with a well respected, long-time D1, Big West guy. He told me to mix it up some. Dont say "Play" every single time.
--Always verbalize, even with no runners.
--Mix it up...Use "Play" "Here we go" or late in the game, close game , runners on "We're going" and point..

I asked if that how its done at that level. He said yes, you rarely hear "Play" every single time. Interpreted as little league-ish. I use "Play" at the start of the game and start of each inning. I use "Here we go" most of the time. And I bust out the "We're going" once or twice.

Works for me, and the players at this level know whats going on.

My 3 cents

When pitcher, catcher, batter and especially my partner look like they are ready for a pitch.

After the game is when I would give my partner feedback.

interesting...good post

in our pregame

Same here!

Likewise!

When I work with a partner(s), nothing is implied! If you have the plate, I will remind you during the pre-game to put the ball in play properly. It's just a friendly reminder. If you forget to put the ball in play during the game, I will remind you to do so between innings. If you fail again, and we get into a situation, I will probably make the ruling that the ball was not in play at the time. (This has never happened with any of my partners)
If I have the plate, I will tell you that I am going to put the ball in play after every dead ball situation.... and I will!

I've been there. Working with a newer umpire, in the top of the first, several runners on base, he never once put the ball in play after a foul ball. I talked to him between the next several half innings. Sure enough, R1, R3, pitcher balks, I call it, DC, a former umpire, immediatly reminds me he never put the ball in play, we get together, I ask him, did you put it in play. Deer in headlights look, everyone back. The middle of that inning he comes to me, I think I get it now, put the ball in play everytime when there is a runner on base...DUH. During a pitching change, just before this happened, I again warned him to put the ball in play. It wasn't five pitches when this happened. It's a common curse here in my area.

I say it everytime time is called or when the becomes dead

This is just like giving a player a warning that he is doing something wrong. They'll never learn until they're burned.

"Play."

"Get it on!"

"Rock 'n roll"

"Giddyup"

"Let's get this over with"

"Next!"

"Yup"

"Come on, while we're young"

Or just a point.

"Play!"
 

Ditto Tim C

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Others have answered

In the begining of one's career I would suggest SAYING PLAY after every TO, stoppage etc. UNTIL you get comfortable.

Then once you gain experience I am on board with Tee.

Pete Booth

I just worked a scrimmage with a Pac 10 umpire. He say's that for 09, they want them putting the ball back in play after any and every dead ball situation, regardless of runners on base or not. Seems a bit much and un-necessary, but that's what he said they're going to have to do next season.

Why do you rarely see MLB Umps doing it ? Even with runners on I rarely see it.