3rd Strike Caught on the Bounce

[johnnyg08]

The hammer is what is taught at umpire schools. If it's good enough for them it should be good enough for the rest of us. (no offense to the pointers out there)

Players and coaches are responsible for knowing the situation.

[CoachPaul]

I certainly don't disagree in principle. One thing to consider is that the fist is widely understood as the signal for an out by most youngsters and everyone in the stands.Using it for strikes can become confusing for the hitter especially on a questionable dropped third strike. If there is a mechanic that requires a supporting mechanic or declaration we really need to examine it. For the most part, when players know the situation, the mechanic is less relevant. In youth sports, often the pitcher and hitter are unsure of the counts even though we tell them every other pitch or when there are 2 strike counts or 3 ball counts. Neither way is without potential for confusion. Do what works best most often in your area and try to get everyone on your board on the same page.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by CoachPaul

Using it for strikes can become confusing for the hitter especially on a questionable dropped third strike.

The hitter (and the catcher) isn't looking at the umpire in this situation.

Unless it's obvious (e.g., the ball is at the backstop), give whatever your normal strike signal and call is (no "call" on a swing, I would hope), and then say "no catch" or "the ball's in the dirt" and give the safe signal.

If it's close but was caught, you can say "that's a catch" to (help) avoid further play.

[FTVMartin]

I just re-read the OP. My call would be a verbal "strike three, no catch" with a safe signal. I would not bring up the hammer at all until after the out. (and i use the hammer for strikes)