Verbalizing the Count?

Freddy · #1 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 07:00am

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 · #2 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 07:26am

Quote:

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 · #3 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 07:42am

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 · #4 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 08:08am

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 · #5 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 10:21am

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.

GoodwillRef · #6 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 01:01pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

"foul" not foul ball (i hate that, pet peeve)

This really bothers you that much?

JRutledge · #7 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 02:36pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

"foul" not foul ball (i hate that, pet peeve)

This really bothers you that much?

I honestly do not know why officials get all upset over things that hardly anyone notices.

Peace

Tim C · #8 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 03:19pm

I'm with Jeff. The only people who notice this are other umpires in the crowd or evaluators who need to find "something" to make sure all umpires don't receive great ratings.

tballump · #9 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 10:30pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim C

I'm with Jeff. The only people who notice this are other umpires in the crowd or evaluators who need to find "something" to make sure all umpires don't receive great ratings.

We need more evaluators that think like you T, and we know you are an evaluator.

umpduck11 · #10 (**permalink**) Sat Apr 04, 2009, 10:59pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim C

I'm with Jeff. The only people who notice this are other umpires in the crowd or evaluators who need to find "something" to make sure all umpires don't receive great ratings.

But what about "dead ball", instead of "time" ?

Durham · #11 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 10:28am

Quote:

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.

cardinalfan · #12 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 10:56am

Quote:

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"?

Durham · #13 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 11:19am

Quote:

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 · #14 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 11:22am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durham

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

No.

Peace

MrUmpire · #15 (**permalink**) Fri Apr 03, 2009, 11:24am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durham

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRutledge

No.

Peace

Durham:

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

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