How to "Call" a ball not caught

[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.

[jwwashburn]

Originally Posted by Tim C

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.

You may be completely right about how you make that call. I have no problem with that.

My issue was with the attitude of: They are confused? Who cares.

[HokieUmp]

Originally Posted by jwwashburn

You may be completely right about how you make that call. I have no problem with that.

My issue was with the attitude of: They are confused? Who cares.

What should we do, then? Hug them?

I don't care about their mental state, or whether they know what just happened or not. I care about them being safe or out.

[UmpTTS43]

Umpire responsibilities concerning infield catch/no catch has been an area I have been trying to get others to clearly define during pre game in our area. This is one area that seems to get forgotten or put aside when doing pre game in our area. Most guys know rotations, signals, outfield coverage, etc pretty well and do a rather quick pre game. I'm hoping that this will change, for the better, this next year. It's my own "point of emphasis" if you will.

That being said, if there is a call that is not my responsibility and my partner does not make it, I will say/do nothing until approached by my partner. If a cluster arises out of such a circumtance, we now have a learning experience that will reinforce the importance of a thorough pre game and knowing one's responsibilities.

From my experience, doing something wrong on the field, is the best way to cement it in your mind. Coaching and instruction gives us the tools to work with, but we must learn how to use those tools in game situations.

[Tim C]

"We use the MLB method of pointing with the left hand and verbalizing."

And that is what we have taught in Portland for the last 15 years.

"1. CERTAIN the ball was one hopped. - Do you "chime in" and say No catch? or remain silent?

"2. You are UNCERTAIN if the ball was one hopped or not BUT your PARTNER says nothing. Do you say "No catch" figuring if it was a catch your partner would have said so."

Pete, I have always taken the position that my partner has seen WHAT WAS HAPPENING.

With me being 70 feet away what makes my view "correct" -- perhaps, even if I am certain, I am the one that is WRONG.

I am from the "old school" that believes umpires call only what they see . . . I also recognize that "fixin' things" afterwards always causes a sh!thouse -- but that is part of umpiring.

What is important is not what happens when you error -- what matters is what you do AFTER you made that error.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by Tim C

What is important is not what happens when you error -- what matters is what you do AFTER you made that error.

It's actually err.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

It's actually err.

"To err is human, to forgive is totally out of the question."