verbalize a fly ball out?

[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.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by Manny A

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.

USA and NFHS mechanics are almost identical as far as I can tell. If you're being evaluated by our HS Umpire's association and say "Catch!" on a caught fly ball, you will be marked down. The call is "Out!"

I've done at least 2 games during evaluations where my plate partner called outs by "Catch!" and they were both dinged. If I remember, I think they were both baseball officials as well as softball.

I do also use the "on the ground" verbal for my partners when I do the plate. I've had some people tell me that's not a proper mechanic. But I still do it and usually pre-game that when working with a new partner.

[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.