How to "Call" a ball not caught

[Tim C]

"I will never give the safe signal to signal I don't have obstruction or interference."

And there lies the problem. People here are giving you a valuable tool that is taught and used very widely. You take the path that you "know-it-all" and thats fine . . . I place you squarely in the cc6 camp.

[UmpTTS43]

I was taught that you use the terminology of "No catch" and "That's a catch" with the appropriate signals. I am not concerned about whether or not a runner misunderstands me, not my problem.

Here are some examples of the proper use of "that's nothing."

1) R1, R2. Ground ball to SS. R2 runs in front of SS briefly blocking view of SS on his way to 3rd. SS bobbles ball. Or the ball takes an irregular hop while bounding close to an advancing runner. Mechanic: Safe sign, "That's nothing"

2) Batter bunts ball in front of the plate. BR and F2 crash into each other while doing their jobs. PU judges no interference or obstruction. Mechanic: Safe sign, "That's nothing."

3) Batter swings at a outside pitch and leans part way over the plate. F2 catches pitch and tries to retire R1 stealing. PU judges no interfernce but it may look, from the dugouts, that interference occured. Mechanic: Safe sign, "That's nothing."

There are others, but you may get the idea. Giving these mechanics will not stop a coach from coming out, but you are telling everyone that you saw the play and have nothing.

[johnnyg08]

I don't disagree...but then I think it has to be an association mechanic so all of the officials are doing it. Otherwise, you get into trouble...like I did...while it's the right thing to do, if nobody else is doing it...we just look like Rambo out there.

[jwwashburn]

Originally Posted by UmpTTS43

I was taught that you use the terminology of "No catch" and "That's a catch" with the appropriate signals. I am not concerned about whether or not a runner misunderstands me, not my problem.

What a terrible attitude. I have heard this so many times throughout the years from some of my partners and it really bothers me. A lot of things become your problem(and your partner's problem, as well) A much better philosophy is to be as clear and concise as possible.

I am not hear to say that a safe signal and NO (without using the word catch) is the only way to call it. I simply said that it might alleviate confusion. That is a good thing for an umpire to do.

Why point fair? If you did not call it foul, it is obviously fair. If the players, managers or coaches are confused, it is not your problem.

Why verbalize a swing(or no swing) on an attempted check swing? A strike is a strike. If the players, managers or coaches are confused, it is not your problem.

[UmpTTS43]

Originally Posted by jwwashburn

What a terrible attitude. I have heard this so many times throughout the years from some of my partners and it really bothers me. A lot of things become your problem(and your partner's problem, as well) A much better philosophy is to be as clear and concise as possible.

I am not hear to say that a safe signal and NO (without using the word catch) is the only way to call it. I simply said that it might alleviate confusion. That is a good thing for an umpire to do.

Why point fair? If you did not call it foul, it is obviously fair. If the players, managers or coaches are confused, it is not your problem.

Why verbalize a swing(or no swing) on an attempted check swing? A strike is a strike. If the players, managers or coaches are confused, it is not your problem.

When I work games, I give the appropriate signals, verbal and non-verbal. These appropriate signals are as clear and concise as they can be. If on a check swing D3K and I say "Yes he went, no catch" and the batter stands there confused, not my problem. If I call "Infield fly" and the runners take off, not my problem. If I call "That's obstruction" and the runner is still out due to his poor judgement running the bases, not my problem. My job is to officiate the game. In my opinion, simply saying "No" on a short hop can cause more confusion. "No" what? No catch, no it didn't hit the ground? There is a reason that "No catch" and "That's a catch" are taught by those that not only know more than me, but teach the game to professional umpires. If all umpires would adopt the correct and to date mechanics, you and your partners might not find yourselves in problem situations and, therefore, not bothered at all.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by UmpTTS43

When I work games, I give the appropriate signals, verbal and non-verbal. These appropriate signals are as clear and concise as they can be. If on a check swing D3K and I say "Yes he went, no catch" and the batter stands there confused, not my problem. If I call "Infield fly" and the runners take off, not my problem. If I call "That's obstruction" and the runner is still out due to his poor judgement running the bases, not my problem. My job is to officiate the game. In my opinion, simply saying "No" on a short hop can cause more confusion. "No" what? No catch, no it didn't hit the ground? There is a reason that "No catch" and "That's a catch" are taught by those that not only know more than me, but teach the game to professional umpires. If all umpires would adopt the correct and to date mechanics, you and your partners might not find yourselves in problem situations and, therefore, not bothered at all.

Amen!

[Tim C]

Jenkins:

"And, the left hand out is for FED only"

SDS:

"2. Obstruction - FED: DDB signal (left arm extended) + "That's Obstruction." "

JPaco54:

"2. Obstruction - delayed dead ball - Left arm extended horizontally fist closed."

I have not seen anyone use the "Delayed Dead Ball Signal" since 1982 (it was ME).

Interesting stuff here.

[johnnyg08]

Just don't use the "open fist"

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Just don't use the "open fist"

I had a professor who loved redundancies like "closed fist."

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Tim C

I have not seen anyone use the "Delayed Dead Ball Signal" since 1982 (it was ME).

Interesting stuff here.

You didn't work any baseball in San Diego, or you would have seen it plenty o' times.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

You didn't work any baseball in San Diego, or you would have seen it plenty o' times.

We do not use the FED extended arm either. We use the MLB method of pointing with the left hand and verbalizing.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

We do not use the FED extended arm either. We use the MLB method of pointing with the left hand and verbalizing.

I like that idea. Maybe I'll ask if it's alright if I do it that way.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I like that idea. Maybe I'll ask if it's alright if I do it that way.

If you just do it, my guess is that no one will notice. Or, compromise -- call the obstruction, put out the left fist for a couple of seconds, then drop it. I think it looks stupid to be runing around with your hand out.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I think it looks stupid to be runing around with your hand out.

ITA!!!! I only hold it up for a second or two like any common signal (the same length of time I point in an OBR game). I can't see myself running around signaling. That would look, well you know......horse poop. You're right though, who is going to notice whether I point or use the extended fist?

[Tim C]

"What a terrible attitude. I have heard this so many times throughout the years from some of my partners and it really bothers me. A lot of things become your problem(and your partner's problem, as well) A much better philosophy is to be as clear and concise as possible."

And you have every right to have your opinion.

I think it is much more complete and accurate to say "No Catch!" Trust me, no one has ever misunderstood my "No Catch" mechanic.

I umpire as well as I can and EXPECT players and coaches to also understand the game and what is going on.

As an umpire we can only do so much.