Pointing to first on Ball Four

Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

BretMan wrote
True story about a partner I had a couple of years ago...

Not only did this guy point to first base on ball four, he had a habit of commenting on the pitch location ("inside", "too high", etc.).

3-2 count. I'm in "A". Pitch comes in and the batter tries to check his swing.

Plate umpire jumps up, points at me (well, actually he was pointing at first base because he called it ball four, but I didn't realize that) and says, "That's too low!" (which, combined with his point, made me think he was saying, "Did he go?").

I came up with big hammer and a, "Yes he did!".

Poor, non-standard or unconventional signals don't just make you look bad. They can make your partner look bad, too!

But Bret? Did he learn his lesson?

MTD, Sr.

RPatrino

I had a partner do that to me this week. Batter went around, I pointed with my left hand, said "YES" and signaled strike. Partner signaled, safe. I won.:eek:

SE Minnestoa Re

I had a partner signal safe ONE TIME on a check swing that I called a strike.

Mrumpiresir

7. Calling foul while the ball is still rolling.

Manny A

dileonardoja wrote
I am assuming it is correct to do it on a dead ball Intentional BB in FED.

I don't do FED baseball, so I'm not sure what the approved mechanic is when the defense requests to put the batter on first base. But since this is usually preceeded by a verbal request that everybody within earshot hears, I don't see a need to point.

The only time I believe it's acceptable to point to first base is when the batter gets hit by a pitch that isn't very apparent. Otherwise, I agree with others here.

MD Longhorn

Mrumpiresir wrote
7. Calling foul while the ball is still rolling.

LOL. One of my pet peeves... but I'm not sure this one points out a rookie to us. I've seen 20 year veterans who do EVERYTHING else right - do this one wrong.

MD Longhorn

Manny A wrote
I don't do FED baseball, so I'm not sure what the approved mechanic is when the defense requests to put the batter on first base. But since this is usually predicated by a verbal request that everybody within earshot hears, I don't see a need to point.

Batter - take your base.

The only time I believe it's acceptable to point to first base is when the batter gets hit by a pitch that isn't very apparent.

Honestly, I don't have a problem with that one.

bob jenkins

Manny A wrote
I don't do FED baseball, so I'm not sure what the approved mechanic is when the defense requests to put the batter on first base. But since this is usually preceeded by a verbal request that everybody within earshot hears, I don't see a need to point.

"Time" (relatively loud, and if time is not already out).

"Go on" (to the batter)

celebur

BretMan wrote
3-2 count. I'm in "A". Pitch comes in and the batter tries to check his swing.

Plate umpire jumps up, points at me (well, actually he was pointing at first base because he called it ball four, but I didn't realize that) and says, "That's too low!" (which, combined with his point, made me think he was saying, "Did he go?").

I came up with big hammer and a, "Yes he did!".

I had a very similar experience, and it did NOT look good on us! Please, no pointing on ball four!

celebur

MD Longhorn wrote
Batter - take your base.

In our association, we're told to simply tell the batter, "That was ball four." Repeat if necessary, and they'll eventually figure out what they're supposed to do.

MD Longhorn

celebur wrote
In our association, we're told to simply tell the batter, "That was ball four." Repeat if necessary, and they'll eventually figure out what they're supposed to do.

So ... with no pitch thrown, you still tell the batter, "THAT was ball four"??? Seems quite odd. If you told me that, I'd look at you and say, "WHAT was ball four?" Of course, I'd then take my base.