Verbalizing the Count?

[Freddy]

Partner on Wednesday verbalizes the count, when necessary, as I've been accustomed to do, that is, "TWO...TWO", signalling with fingers, of course, with one hand for the balls and two for the strikes. We post-gamed it, agreeing on the clarity of using fewer words, skipping the "and" between the TWO's, and omitting the words BALL and STRIKE.
Partner on Thursday commented to me, "You're supposed to say "TWO BALLS...TWO STRIKES", not just the two numbers." He said, "That's what the book says."
I thanked him for his input, since I'm always willing to yield to "the book" in order to comply with Fed mechanics. But I can't find anything specifying one way or the other.
I know different officials have different habits and preferences, and I come down on the side of clarity with the fewest words necessary. But there a preferred Fed mechanic for verbalizing the count?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Freddy

But there a preferred Fed mechanic for verbalizing the count?

I don't think so.

IMO, this is one of those situations where you don't want to appear to be "different" -- as long as you're communicating the information, do what others in your area do.

[CajunNewBlue]

I disagree (sorry).
IMHO do it CORRECTLY, even if its different from what everyone else is messing up.
And to my knowledge its always number and something eg: 2 balls 1 strike. and its "foul" not foul ball (i hate that, pet peeve)
In every mechanic book i own its always 2 balls 2 strikes.

peace.

[cardinalfan]

2-2 is one time when I usually don't verbalize "ball" and "strike". But maybe I should. I have seen some batters who probably don't know if it is "2 Balls and 2 Strikes" or "2 Strikes and 2 Balls".

[nopachunts]

I try to verbalize the count only once during the at-bat and that is when the next pitch is a "money" pitch. Either 3 balls, x strikes, or x balls, 2 strikes. If the first two pitches of the at-bat are strikes, I will tell the batter he/she has two strikes and will signal the count but don't verbalize the count until the first ball.
I will signal the count to the BU(s) whenever a runner has advanced on their own, passed ball, steal, etc. or the BU gives me a lost count signal.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by Freddy

But there a preferred Fed mechanic for verbalizing the count?

No, and even if there was I would tell you to do what is comfortable for you. If you don't get a playoff game, or if you get a bad rating based on the words you use when you give the count, please allow me to speak with that evaluator.

[PeteBooth]

As with most of these type OP's do what your association wants you to.

MAIN POINT - EVERYONE knows the count.

Pete Booth

[cardinalfan]

Originally Posted by Durham

No, and even if there was I would tell you to do what is comfortable for you. If you don't get a playoff game, or if you get a bad rating based on the words you use when you give the count, please allow me to speak with that evaluator.

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

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Partner on Wednesday verbalizes the count, when necessary, as I've been accustomed to do, that is, "TWO...TWO", signalling with fingers, of course, with one hand for the balls and two for the strikes. We post-gamed it, agreeing on the clarity of using fewer words, skipping the "and" between the TWO's, and omitting the words BALL and STRIKE.
Partner on Thursday commented to me, "You're supposed to say "TWO BALLS...TWO STRIKES", not just the two numbers." He said, "That's what the book says."
I thanked him for his input, since I'm always willing to yield to "the book" in order to comply with Fed mechanics. But I can't find anything specifying one way or the other.
I know different officials have different habits and preferences, and I come down on the side of clarity with the fewest words necessary. But there a preferred Fed mechanic for verbalizing the count?

It really doen't matter to me what you use, unless its "twenty-two" when the count is two balls-two strikes, fist banged together to indicate a count of three balls and two strikes.

However, since you base your practice on "clarity", explain to me how 1 - 2 is more clear than One Ball - One Strike.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by cardinalfan

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

What is wrong with that? Isn't that what we all use?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Durham

What is wrong with that? Isn't that what we all use?

No.

Peace

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Durham

What is wrong with that? Isn't that what we all use?

Originally Posted by JRutledge

No.

Peace

Durham:

Your humor is apparently lost on some people. Good luck Sunday.

[Durham]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Durham:

Your humor is apparently lost on some people. Good luck Sunday.

Thanks!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Durham:

Your humor is apparently lost on some people. Good luck Sunday.

Peace

[zm1283]

I just say "1-2" or whatever the count is. I usually give the count after the third, fifth, and seventh pitches unless the next pitch will lead to a walk or strikeout. (3-0 or 0-2 count) In that case, I just say "3 balls" or "2 strikes" and nothing else.