How to "Call" a ball not caught

[amusedofficial]

I never make a no-call. Not ever. The runner is not safe until he touches the base, he is not safe because the fielder caught the ball on the bounce, no matter how short that bounce was. If the fielder catches the ball before it strikes the ground, the batsman is out and the appropriate signal is given. If I don't say he's out, then the ball is in play unless and until the runner touches first base, at which point the runner is safe or out and the appropriate signal is given.

it is not the role of the umpire to provide direction to the fielders. We call them out when they are out. We call them safe when they are safe.

We do not issue advisory opinions.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?

[Ump153]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

I never make a no-call. Not ever. The runner is not safe until he touches the base, he is not safe because the fielder caught the ball on the bounce, no matter how short that bounce was. If the fielder catches the ball before it strikes the ground, the batsman is out and the appropriate signal is given. If I don't say he's out, then the ball is in play unless and until the runner touches first base, at which point the runner is safe or out and the appropriate signal is given.

it is not the role of the umpire to provide direction to the fielders. We call them out when they are out. We call them safe when they are safe.

We do not issue advisory opinions.

The "no-catch" signal is not ruling a runner safe. The "I've got nothing" after contact bewteen a runner and fielder is not ruling a runner safe.

I don't know your background, training or experience, but since these are taught at proschools and used at all levels of ball including professional, I'd guess you are expressing an uninformed personal opinion.

[jwwashburn]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

I never make a no-call. Not ever. The runner is not safe until he touches the base, he is not safe because the fielder caught the ball on the bounce, no matter how short that bounce was. If the fielder catches the ball before it strikes the ground, the batsman is out and the appropriate signal is given. If I don't say he's out, then the ball is in play unless and until the runner touches first base, at which point the runner is safe or out and the appropriate signal is given.

it is not the role of the umpire to provide direction to the fielders. We call them out when they are out. We call them safe when they are safe.

We do not issue advisory opinions.

Are there any other universally accepted and universally taught mechanics that you choose to unilaterally ignore?

In a two man system, as a BU, do you like to go out on routine fly balls with the bases loaded?

Why not decide that you can call the lines from the B position?

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

it is not the role of the umpire to provide direction to the fielders. We call them out when they are out. We call them safe when they are safe.

We do not issue advisory opinions.

We are not calling them safe. Maybe you are not aware it is a common and accepted practice to use the safe signal to mean "not out" in certain cases. If you use it right it is very helpful.

I too am an amused official who just read a lot of unbelievable nonsense.

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

I never make a no-call. Not ever. ...

amusedofficial,

Then you are not as good an umpire as you could be.

And you have a fundamental misconception regarding the umpire's role in a game.

JM

[jwwashburn]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

amusedofficial,

Then you are not as good an umpire as you could be.

JM

I disagree. From the attitude he displayed, I will bet he is as good as he is going to get.

[cc6]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

I never make a no-call. Not ever. The runner is not safe until he touches the base, he is not safe because the fielder caught the ball on the bounce, no matter how short that bounce was. If the fielder catches the ball before it strikes the ground, the batsman is out and the appropriate signal is given. If I don't say he's out, then the ball is in play unless and until the runner touches first base, at which point the runner is safe or out and the appropriate signal is given.

it is not the role of the umpire to provide direction to the fielders. We call them out when they are out. We call them safe when they are safe.

We do not issue advisory opinions.

As soon as you know whether it is a catch or no catch, make a signal. Whether a ball is caught or not affects the status of the baserunners.