Yeah, they sang Eye in the Sky and Games People Play.

I tend to point with whichever hand is most in the direction of the play vs. spinning around to use the other, and say "THAT's OBSTRUCTION" while pointing. If I am in C and see it at 2nd I am going to be pointing with right, if at 3rd I am going to be pointing with left. May not be technically correct, but never had a problem with it, and I just can't help it anyway.

The first is giving information. IT's up to the players to react accordingly.

The latter two are coaching.

I'm curious as to where the "left hand point" comes from.

I believe I usually (always?) point with my right hand when calling obstruction.

I looked it up in my mechanics books (PBUC, CCA, & Evsns "Maximizing") and the only one that addresses it (Evans) shows a "right hand point" when calling obstruction.

My personal opinion is that either is equally suitable.

JM

Surprising.

I was always taught so it wasn't confused with an out.

I agree it's minor (I can't remember the last time a partner had an OBS call, so I can't say with which hand he pointed).

You're off base here. You're letting all the participants know if the ball hit the ground or not. They're entitled to that. A trapped ball in the outfield gets the same treatment.

I give a "safe sign" and a "no catch" or a "no, no". Being silent doesn't tell F2 or the BR anything since you're behind them.

Wondering if this is a regional thing, and I apologize for my presumption that the way "we" do this is universal.

Generally (both Fed and OBR) the way this is called around here is either "Strike Three!" or "Strike Three, Batter's out", accompanied either by your strike mechanic or your strike mechanic followed by your out mechanic.

On a 3rd strike not caught I first signal the pitch is a strike and then give safe sign and say NO CATCH and then do the safe and NO CATCH again. I am not coaching.

Mike, the mechanic the others are describing has been the standard taught by PBUC and others for a few years now. It's also an approved mechanic at NCAA levels.

I *think* (based on discussions on various boards) that your region is more the exception than the rule on this mechanic.

I would generally advise against the "strike three, batter's out" mechanic in any event. Someone is going to use it when the batter isn't out.

A very good NCAA umpire did this in a game I worked this season. I was shocked it came out of his mouth (and so was he, matter of fact).

As with all swinging strikes, I say nothing about the pitch (unless it's an unsuccessfully checked swing) -- I simply will let the catcher/batter know there was no catch.

That's good to know... I will pass this along.

Not that it really matter, but it is the right arm....Of course that is what is taught at the schools

at the schools and PBUC they are teaching, that if the ball is obliviously not caught, then there is no reason to give a "no catch/safe" signal. and all you do is hold out your right hand almost like your making a 1st down signal.

If it is right down and the catcher feet then give a no catch/safe signal.. the reason is they think it looks crazy when the PU gives a strike, then a safe and then a tag signal, all right in about 3 sec... it is way too much, make it sort and sweet.

If your the calling Umpire of OBS and you know your gonna award him the base you think he would have reached had OBS not occurred, then all you do is when the tag is applied.

"time, I had Obstruction, you 2nd base"

done, easy, call me later...LOL