Verbalizing the Count?

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by cardinalfan

How about two closed fists and the shout of "The count is full"?

I've been to several clinics over the years and it has always been taught that "full count" is slang and that an umpire should always say, and indicate "3-and-2" or "3 balls, two strikes", but never "full count".

Now, informally, if either the batter or catcher asks me "What's the count?", I may say "Full count." But I consider this a private, informal conversation.

To me, putting up two fists indicates that there is NO COUNT. Also, most of the fans don't understand that signal. It's naive to think that none of our signals are intended for the fans.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN