strike/called 3rd strike calls

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by cviverito

but you take your eyes off the field. Even with a partner this could have disastrous consequences..

First of all I no longer point to the side because I went to the Davis stance and it is just easier to hammer away with the wide stance I am in. I have always stayed down, made my call and then signaled. That is just my style and it has worked quite well for me.

My point here is, for close to 25 years I pointed and watched my little finger and NEVER did I miss anything on the field because I waited until the catcher was throwing the ball back to the pitcher to make my sign. So I keep hearing about not turning your head but, can anyone point out ONE time they got into trouble because they did??? Not trying trying hijack the thread but, well I didn't bring it up.

[cviverito]

Originally Posted by jicecone

can anyone point out ONE time they got into trouble because they did???

Yep. A few years back, when I was pointing to the side (but not looking at my finger), the catcher fired to third for a pick-off. Both of us missed it. Shame on us.

My point is this - going to the side, while not a bad thing and manageable for some, can reduce the amount of time you are watching the field while subsequently increasing the chance for you to miss something...be it a pick-off, doctoring the ball, or whatever. I am merely suggesting that umpires be aware of this possibility when working on their mechanics. I that reasonable?

I see your point though...wait for the catcher to throw it back before signaling. I suppose that could solve the problem. But to my point - I prefer to keep my eyes front. It reduces the chance of something happening while I try to keep from looking at my finger...and subsequently the chances of the competitors giving me...a finger.

When working solo the need for eyes on the field is even greater.

Overall, I don't see how developing mechanics that keep your eyes on the field can be a bad thing.

[Fritz]

I'm a long-time "pointer" and haven't run into any problems. But, my point is more toward the 1B coach's box than directly perpendicular to my shoulders(toward the team's dugout) so that people in the dugout don't think I am "pointing" at them. As a result, my head turns very little. And I use the GD stance; but I rise up first before verbally calling the strike or pointing for a swinging strike. Helps slow me down.

And if I sense something other than a normal swing occurring, like a dropped 3rd strike or a steal, then I point to my side without turning my head at all so I can concentrate on the action.