How to "Call" a ball not caught

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by zm1283

I'm not talking about a "no catch" signal to show a ball wasn't caught. Everyone does that. We're talking about giving the "no catch" (safe) signal when you AREN'T going to call obstruction or interference.

It's arms out like safe or no catch, but it's used to indicate I-have-nothing when it's used on a possible obstruction/interference.

Standard here, too.

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

I got into a bit of rhubarb this year too saying "no CATCH" I no longer use the word "catch" anymore...runner simply hear "Catch" and we get into trouble...it didn't affect the game, but my words did make a difference in that particular play. Now I either say nothing and signal or as somebody else stated..."No, No"

I don't say "That's a catch" or "No catch," I say "That's a CATCH"

or "NO catch."

I was originally taught to say "That's a catch," or "It's down."

Originally Posted by 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.

Or you look like the most professionally trained and studious umpire in the association.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Or you look like the most professionally trained and studious umpire in the association.

Sometimes it's tough being on the island though...while I've been umpiring for 12 years...I'm one of the younger ones in our group...I've been earning some good spots in state tournaments etc...so people must be noticing...but it's hard to drive change when veterans are resistant. I've just tried to start with me and give advice to the new guys if they're willing to accept feedback. Offer thoughts when asked, otherwise I keep to myself and do my thing while always trying to learn and improve from watching others who are better than me.

[Kevin Finnerty]

So you are the most professionally trained and studious umpire in your association. And possibly possessing the best balance of pride and humility as well.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by jwwashburn

ZM, just because you have never heard of it does not mean that it should not be done.

Of course you should make this signal if there is a situation like those discussed.

When did I say it should not be done? I just said that I don't do it. To each his own, just like wearing a cup on the bases.

I love how people on this board are so damn sensitive. (I'm not talking about you washburn) They think if you give an opinion on something, then by-god you are telling them what to do too. Lighten up.

Originally Posted by Tim C

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.

Again, I never said that I know it all. I simply said that I don't do it. You can place me wherever you want, but I find it funny that you judge people's umpiring proficiency based on a message board. I would be willing to bet that there are "respected" members of this board who are also sh*tty umpires as well.

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

It's arms out like safe or no catch, but it's used to indicate I-have-nothing when it's used on a possible obstruction/interference.

I know what mechanic everyone is talking about. I was telling that person that I use it for "no catch" or "safe".

[cc6]

Originally Posted by zm1283

Again, I never said that I know it all. I simply said that I don't do it. You can place me wherever you want, but I find it funny that you judge people's umpiring proficiency based on a message board. I would be willing to bet that there are "respected" members of this board who are also sh*tty umpires as well.

Ironically, I consider Tim_C to be the only person on here who knows umpiring inside-out. There are a lot of people posing as experts who don't know umpiring very well.

[johnnyg08]

I haven't read anybody self-proclaiming to be an expert...claiming to have experience...certainly.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by cc6

Ironically, I consider Tim_C to be the only person on here who knows umpiring inside-out. There are a lot of people posing as experts who don't know umpiring very well.

Name one.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by cc6

Ironically, I consider Tim_C to be the only person on here who knows umpiring inside-out. There are a lot of people posing as experts who don't know umpiring very well.

How the hell would you know? Seriously.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by cc6

Ironically, I consider Tim_C to be the only person on here who knows umpiring inside-out. There are a lot of people posing as experts who don't know umpiring very well.

Tim is an extremely knowledgeable umpire, but I'll bet if you ask him he'll tell you himself that he's still learning every time he steps onto a field. He's also able to learn from other members of this forum.

You do know that there are collegiate Div 1 umpires as well as former professional umpires posting here, right?


Tim.

[zm1283]

I saw U2 use the "safe" signal in another way the other night on TV. R2 was going back to tag up on a caught fly ball. As the throw was coming back to 2B, it hit R2. R2 slid into 2B to retouch and U2 gave the "safe" signal which I assume was to show that he saw the retouch. There were no defensive players around, so there was no tag play or anything.