why is the hammer strike taking over?

[JPaco54]

Now I am really confused as to what is right. I guess from these posts it depends on your local association. Two years ago when I stated we were taught the Hammer for all strikes, called, swinging and dropped 3rd strike. The swinging strike is a more casual hammer no verbal, called third strike is a sharp hammer with verbal and dropped third strike is a sharp hammer no verbal. But out of 45 umps there are only two of us that use the Hammer. Everyone else uses the point with turning head. I just want to be able to communicate clearly to the players and coaches. But I can see with diverse styles and mechanics players and coaches have to adapt to the umpires.

[johnnyg08]

If you're not directed to do a specific mechanic by your assn' try them all and see what works for you.

[dash_riprock]

I was taught not to change my called or swinging 3rd strike mechanic on an uncaught 3rd strike. Just add a "no catch" mechanic, if relevant.

[kylejt]

Tim's knees were bothering him, from so many years of working from a knee. The box allows him to make his calls even slower than ever, and every announcer in baseball hates when he calls games, as they have no idea what the pitch is.

[zm1283]

I was taught to use the same call for swinging and called strikes, so if you use the point for called strikes, use it for swinging strikes as well. Same for the hammer.

I use the hammer for everything. On a dropped third strike, I'll give the left-handed point to show that I have a swing, then give the "safe" signal to show that I don't have a catch.

Speaking of the safe signal, I have a good story. On Friday, I had a bases loaded situation. Two outs and two strikes on the batter. He strikes out on a curveball in the dirt. F2 blocks it and I give the safe signal as the batter takes off for first. F2 picks it up and steps on home plate for the force. Some loudmouth from the batting team right behind me starts jawing about "Well why would you call him safe then out...Ye can't do that!" After the inning, I casually walk near him and quickly explain that it's a safe signal because there was no catch on the third strike. He shut up pretty quickly.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by zm1283

then give the "safe" signal to show that I don't have a catch.

IMO, it needs to be accompanied by a verbal indication because the two players most involved in the play (F2 and BR) are facing away from the plate umpire.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

IMO, it needs to be accompanied by a verbal indication because the two players most involved in the play (F2 and BR) are facing away from the plate umpire.

F2 will know that it wasn't caught and most H.S. catchers will instinctively tag the batter if they know it hit the ground. Just speaking from experience as a former catcher.

Good point though, as the batter doesn't always know, made evident by the fact that a lot of them start walking back to the dugout while all the coaches and teammates are yelling at him to run.

Here's the Drebin strike call....

YouTube - Naked Gun - Strike - I Love LA

Hilarious...

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

IMO, it needs to be accompanied by a verbal indication because the two players most involved in the play (F2 and BR) are facing away from the plate umpire.

Agree 100%; some people (even coaches if you can believe it!) seem to get confused when I signal/call a strike three and then signal the "safe" sign for a D3K. "Did Blue change his mind or something?"

Verbalizing "No Catch, No Catch" confirms what I am signalling and removes all doubt.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

If you're not directed to do a specific mechanic by your assn' try them all and see what works for you.

The association I joined this year has trained us to use the hammer. It took me several times with the pitching machine to get used to it, but I haven't gone back to the point since. In fact, tonight was my first game with the league I've been with for a few years -- and my first time using the hammer. I thought about going to the point for their games, but I found the hammer works for me.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by JPaco54

Now I am really confused as to what is right. I guess from these posts it depends on your local association. Two years ago when I stated we were taught the Hammer for all strikes, called, swinging and dropped 3rd strike. The swinging strike is a more casual hammer no verbal, called third strike is a sharp hammer with verbal and dropped third strike is a sharp hammer no verbal.

Sounds like softball mechanics.