verbalize a fly ball out?

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by teebob21

I give a strong vocal out for a caught infield line drive in order to be a better partner for my crew. It's not supposed to be an indicator of the timing of the catch. If the play is going away from his starting position, or he's straight-lined on the catch (which is fine because he doesn't have the catch/no-catch call here), or there may be concern about a trap, a loud vocal call allows him to know with certainty what the game situation is, even with non-optimal positioning. From there, he can move or read the throw to make a proper call on a snap-throw for the live-ball appeal. Without the vocal, that snap throw can be too quick for him to read the play, watch me signal, and then correctly rule on the secondary play.

For the same reasons, I will give a loud verbal "NO!" on a trapped ball followed by a safe signal. That might not be exactly by the book either, but I think runners and partners need to know as soon as possible.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

For the same reasons, I will give a loud verbal "NO!" on a trapped ball followed by a safe signal. That might not be exactly by the book either, but I think runners and partners need to know as soon as possible.

Over the years I have found that just as many hear "out" as hear "no"

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Over the years I have found that just as many hear "out" as hear "no"

So you also give a verbal "NO!"? I guess I've been more fortunate in that regard. I don't really recall ever having a problem with that.

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

For the same reasons, I will give a loud verbal "NO!" on a trapped ball followed by a safe signal. That might not be exactly by the book either, but I think runners and partners need to know as soon as possible.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Over the years I have found that just as many hear "out" as hear "no"

I do the same thing. NO for a not-out, YES for an out. Pulled foot? "NO!", followed by safe signal. High throw and the foot stayed on? "YES!" + point, plus out signal to reflect the closeness of the play.

During my formative years, ASA (now USA) had a big push towards single-syllable vocalizations. Example on a check swing: Mask off, point to partner, and "SWING?" I still haven't gotten that entirely out of my system.

I yell NO on a trap, too. I know the safe signal on a no-catch is not the USA/ASA mechanic, but dang is it useful in the codes that allow it. NO plus a safe signal is evident to everyone, no matter what level of hearing impairment.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by teebob21

Example on a check swing: Mask off, point to partner, and "SWING?" I still haven't gotten that entirely out of my system.

Isn't that correct?

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Isn't that correct?

"Ask in a loud verbal voice "Did they go?"

I guess that works better when there are multiple batters.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Isn't that correct?

No, that lasted about a year or so and they returned to the previous mechanic.

And you were correct, I meant what is stated is not what the players/coaches claim to have heard. Same with "NO CATCH". Players claim to hear catch, which is true, they just don't hear the "NO".

I would suggest that if you are going to say anything, repeat it multiple times to reduce the chance of misunderstanding.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And you were correct, I meant what is stated is not what the players/coaches claim to have heard. Same with "NO CATCH". Players claim to hear catch, which is true, they just don't hear the "NO".

FWIW, my verbals on fly balls to the outfield are more for my partner's sake than that of the players. I'll either say, "Catch!" or "On the ground!" to let him/her know the ball's status. I don't like saying, "No Catch!" to avoid my partner missing the "No" in that.

[blue06]

Some of the best baseball umpires are good softball umpires.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by blue06

Some of the best baseball umpires are good softball umpires.

Yep.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

So you also give a verbal "NO!"? I guess I've been more fortunate in that regard. I don't really recall ever having a problem with that.

I think he meant that yelling "NO" sounds like "OUT" to many.

There is no verbalization for no catch, missed base, fair ball, etc. in the mechanics.