verbalize a fly ball out?

[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.