Finally saw it happen
 

We all know those guys. The one's who as BU in A signal a big emphatic out on every fly caught in the outfield, who have no concept of coverages or positioning, who at the dish call strikes before the catcher even catches the pitch. Finally had one. STRIIIIIKE. Plink. Late check swing and batter hits ball fair between 1BL and the mound. Everyone freezes trying to figure out what to do since it had already been called a strike. HTBT but it was classic.

There is a reason the batter swung at the pitch: the PU told everybody that the pitch was in the strike zone. The PU stating that the pitch was in the strike zone does not cause the ball to become dead. The ball is live and the PU should just stand there and the play continue.

MTD, Sr.


P.S. What did happen?

Naturally, we have no mechanic for this kind of idiocy. Make one up: point fair.

and yell "FAIR BALL!!""":rolleyes:

I hope you are being sarcastic about yelling FAIR BALL?

MTD, Sr.

My mechanic is: Get on the foul line. As the ball hits, I point fair and yell "Fair ball". Then, laterally move about 3 steps into fair territory and at the same time, keep moving my hand back and forth from the shoulder to the point. And, if anyone still wonders, I put both hands pointing in fair territory as if I am directing a plane. :D

They usually get it by then. Of course, that is if I yell "Strike" when the ball is halfway.

yell "FAIR BALL", thats funny. I can remember my first year at umping and doing my first 2-man game. It was a DH Mens League. First off I had told my partner PRIOR to getting on the field while we were getting dressed that this was my first 2-man game, he didnt seem to care much and said "No problem, you'll do fine". He offered no help or anything. I had read about rotations so I kind of knew some but not all.

Anyway, the first game I was in the field. Didn't do too bad I think. The second game I was on the plate. We had a ball hit just inside the third base line close to home, the catcher picks up the ball as the runner is running towards first. As soon as the catcher touchs the ball I yell out "FAIR BALL". Everyone stopped and looked straight at me. That's the moment I felt like the airline commercial "Ever want to get away?" Then the catcher regained his senses and threw to first to retire the BR. The BR was pissed but it happened and he was called out.


I had a couple of other blunders in that game and my partner was of no help. At the end of the game he just basiclly yelled at me and said what a ****ty job I did. I was like "Dude, I told you I was new to this and I needed some help and guidance", but he was just an ***. Needless to say I never worked with him again.

I look back on that now and laugh, what an idiot. But thats ok, at least I can laugh at my own mistake and have learned from it.

Roll eyes smiley following text - um, hello? (sarcasm again)

Although, if you call 'strike' before the hit, what's wrong with yelling 'fair ball' - (more sarcasm!);):rolleyes::D:eek::p

See, now this mechanic just makes sense.:eek:

The umpire in "A League of their Own" called "fair ball" in one sequence. He also missed a touching a batted ball with detached equipment call. Then again, maybe that league had different rules :)

Yeah I think the PU blue the call in the final play of that movie as well. :D

The included smiley is a pretty good hint. ;)

:o, I am so embarrassed. I didn't see it because like all great sports officials I am blind in one eye and can't see out of the other, :D.

MTD, Sr.

Don't it. I am publishing my first, and only, mechanics manual. Mechanics for Dummies. :rolleyes: Also, for those who buy it, I will throw in some beachfront property in Arizona. Who's buying?

It's all good - you just made the call before you saw the whole play - might want to work on your timing!!!:eek::p:D