CWS plate umpire saying pitch location?

[SWFLguy]

It's been a long time since I did any baseball, let alone college level. In my training, I was always of the mind that the plate umpire simply calls ball if it is a ball. I hear some of the plate umpires in the CWS saying where the pitch was on a ball at times. I'm guessing these guys are top of the line arbiters and it is OK for them to do this. Anyone fill me in?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

It's been a long time since I did any baseball, let alone college level. In my training, I was always of the mind that the plate umpire simply calls ball if it is a ball. I hear some of the plate umpires in the CWS saying where the pitch was on a ball at times. I'm guessing these guys are top of the line arbiters and it is OK for them to do this. Anyone fill me in?

There are a couple of MLB umpires that do that. It's not like it's forbidden.

[MD Longhorn]

Usually it screams out, "Rookie". But I guess with these guys we know better.

[Rich]

I do it at all levels I work. Eliminates the "where was that" nonsense on pitches that are close but in/out. I never say if a pitch is up/down - I figure a coach should be able to see that one.

Eh, personal preference. Times change.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Rich

I do it at all levels I work. Eliminates the "where was that" nonsense on pitches that are close but in/out. I never say if a pitch is up/down - I figure a coach should be able to see that one.

Eh, personal preference. Times change.

"What do ya mean up? That pitch was belt high... look through the mask not at it!"
"What do you mean low? What are you looking at?"

No Rich, I don't give 'em any ammunition. "Where was that?" I usually ignore them. Although, once I did turn and say:

"Where was what?"
"That pitch, where was it?"
"Sorry coach, last time I saw it, it was in your catcher's glove!"

[DG]

The only response I normally give is if the coach hollers out to his catcher by name and asks him where the pitch was. If the catcher shrugs or gives a signal indicating it was a strike, I tell the catcher "wrong answer".

Of course I don't work CWS on TV either.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

"What do ya mean up? That pitch was belt high... look through the mask not at it!"
"What do you mean low? What are you looking at?"

No Rich, I don't give 'em any ammunition. "Where was that?" I usually ignore them. Although, once I did turn and say:

"Where was what?"
"That pitch, where was it?"
"Sorry coach, last time I saw it, it was in your catcher's glove!"

He said he did NOT give High/Low - just In/Out.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

There are a couple of MLB umpires that do that. It's not like it's forbidden.

Just because MLB umpires do it, that doesn't make it correct.

What is still being taught as far as I know is to NOT verbalize location. But plenty of umpires will go ahead and do it anyway out of personal preference. I do it as well only on close pitches, despite evaluators telling me I shouldn't.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Just because MLB umpires do it, that doesn't make it correct.

.

But it still isn't forbidden.

[jicecone]

First of all, the main reason they are asking is because they didn't like the call. They ask hoping to get into your mind. Anyone, ANYONE, can see what side of the plate or if a pitch is high or low, so to ask "where was that pitch", well your just getting played.

If you feel as an umpire that you have to appease the coach, then go for it.

Its a strike when I say "Strike" and a ball when I say "Ball".

Stay consistent and you minimize the questions.

And please, don't tell me about how you need to know so I can tell the pitcher how to adjust. Teach him to find the zone and learn what his out pitch is for the official doing the game.

.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

But it still isn't forbidden.

Well, it's not forbidden for all three base umpires to position themselves around the mound either.

Off the top of my head, I cannot think of something that is outright forbidden for umpires when it comes to positioning and mechanics. That doesn't mean we can do anything we want out there.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Well, it's not forbidden for all three base umpires to position themselves around the mound either.

Reaching.


If you can verbalize effectively for the level you work and the players and coaches you're working with, I don't see what the problem is. I give in/out and it works and I still get to call games.