Balls / Strikes - Talking to F2 or Batter

[PeteBooth]

What to do when we KNOW we missed a pitch?

IMO one of the most embarrasing things is to call the same pitch different. In other words we called a pitch a ball (realizing it was a strike) and then the same exact pitch - we call it a strike.

We are all human (I think) and inevitably we are goint to miss a pitch. Therefore, how do we make it known (in a professional way) that we INDEED missed it and the next time, the batter better be swinging.

In upper ball, I have had results thus far talking to F2. As one moves up the ranks, the pitching will become better. By better I mean more movement than we are used to seeing.

One time F1 threw a mean hook and I along with the batter froze. It was indeed a strike but I called it a ball.

In between innings I mentioned to F2 that I missed it so that he would know I would be ready the next time, therefore, not squeezing his pitcher and taking away a "lethal weapon" so to specak. F2 seemed to appreciate this and realized that yes umps make mistakes too.

What I am asking the masses here for future reference, is what do you do when you KNOW you missed one?

Do we keep silent and assume that both the batter, F1 and F2 know we missed it? or in a quiet conversation between us and F2 mention that we missed that one?

Thanks

Pete Booth

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Peter M. Booth

[Stan W]

I have had the same experience, basically on the same pitch.....wicked hook...froze the batter, me and the concession stand workers...I called ball.......and then with almost reflex..the word "shoot"...(or something close).....I heard the catcher laugh.......he looked at me, I looked at him....we both knew I kicked it........then he sat down and called for the hook again.........another beauty even better than the one I kicked.........strikkkkkke hree....

[umpdad]

It's been awhile, but if I miss an obvious ball by calling it a strike I've always let the batter know immediatly that I missed it and vice versa to the catcher. I've found that the upper level players appreciate it and actually give you a little more respect on those tough ones on the corners.

I know that we are'nt supposed to make up the bad calls, and I don't as a rule. However, I was doing the dish on a D2 game a couple of years ago and with no count on the batter I called a pitch a strike that was too far outside. The next pitch was on the outside corner(on the plate) and I called a ball and then said,"OK guys,we're even" Both catcher and batter chuckled and I had a great rest of the game with both teams.

You must pick and chose your spots and that is a skill that only comes with experience. It is also something that should'nt be done anywhere near regularly. Twice a year is almost too much.