curious--- question about PU in CWS tonight

[kylejt]

Some umpires, for whatever reason, feel the need to say up, down, inside or outside. This happens at all levels. I've never understood it.

A great instructor once told me it was insecurity about their own calls. The needed to, somehow, justify their judgement.

Lots of umpires use a touch of "body english" to let folks know where it missed. A slight tilt one way, or another, just after the ball is caught. I've always thought that was very effective.

Good catchers know where you thought it missed, even if they don't agree. So do good coaches. No need to bother with the not so good ones, as they're not going to see the light anyways.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Some umpires, for whatever reason, feel the need to say up, down, inside or outside. This happens at all levels. I've never understood it.

A great instructor once told me it was insecurity about their own calls. The needed to, somehow, justify their judgement.

Lots of umpires use a touch of "body english" to let folks know where it missed. A slight tilt one way, or another, just after the ball is caught. I've always thought that was very effective.

Good catchers know where you thought it missed, even if they don't agree. So do good coaches. No need to bother with the not so good ones, as they're not going to see the light anyways.

I'm baffled as to why they point across their body to signal a strike to a left handed hitter. What's that all about?

[BEAREF]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

I'm baffled as to why they point across their body to signal a strike to a left handed hitter. What's that all about?

I do that...but don't have a reason as to why...I just do it.

[Publius]

Originally Posted by BEAREF

I do that...but don't have a reason as to why...I just do it.

That's the consensus among my partners who point across their bodies on lefties. I don't do it, and when I ask them why they do, they just shrug.

Verbalizing pitches--I find those who do are generally like Tim C. I did it on three pitches last night; two outside, as opposed to low, and one low, as opposed to inside. Three in one game is about average for me.

It seemed to be a fad around here a few years ago, when it was all the rage and everyone (except me ) was doing it on every ball. Then it died down and only a few are still doing it on most balls.

Sorta like patent leather.