why is the hammer strike taking over?

[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.

[johnnyg08]

I think the kids should be coached to do what they're supposed to do and be taught by their coach to understand baseball and not depend on the umpire to tell them what to do.

I did all of "what you're supposed to do" on a D3K on a play this year and had the batter/runner run to 1B and F2 throw to F3 and I had R1/R2 < 2 outs.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

Since the SB people have been sold a bill of goods, that there is a perfect mechanic and this is how you do it, it won't be too long until the baseball people try to do the same thing.

I am a softball person as well as a baseball person. I do not feel this way at all. The only thing the softball authorities want is for an umpire's signals to communicate a clear meaning to everyone watching. That is why softball umpires appear to be deliberate with their signals. No softball organization demands that every umpire do the mechanics exactly as written. Every softball umpire I have worked with signals differently, but the meaning is clear, just like a baseball umpire with good signals. I just wanted to explain here why softball does what it does.

As for baseball, I use a different hammer there because (surprise) it's a different game, and I think it's still obvious I'm calling a strike. I also want to keep my eyes on the field. But as with lots of other things in baseball, I think you should do what works for you. It's not a big deal to me as long as I can tell what the call is.