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.