Obstruction Mechanics

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

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.

[DG]

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.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

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.

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.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

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.

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.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

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.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

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.

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

[Umpmazza]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

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.

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.