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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Shmuelg

Batter hits a line drive to the shortstop. The ball hits the ground briefly (for a millisecond), and then goes into the SS's glove. No question in my mind, but it was a question in the mind of many of the fielders and runners.

I didn't call anything, but I don't know what I should have done?

Different scenario

Instead of the ball being hit to F6 the ball was a sinking liner hit to F8 who dives to make the catch.

What should you do?

Answer:

the same as you would in your scenario - indicate a catch / no catch ONCE you process the infomation. In your case you said no doubt in my mind that it was a no catch. At that point you should have said No catch for EVERYONE to hear.

Pete Booth

[PeteBooth]

TEE I agree however, IMO the more interesting question is this.

Let's "go with the OP" R1/R2 less then 2 outs and the ball hit to F6 as in the OP.

You are the PU

Your partner as in this OP says NOTHING. You are:

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.

In Summary: What should the PU do in this OP if his partner is NOT signalling or saying ANYTHING.

Pete Booth

[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]

"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.