verbalize a fly ball out?
During a recent tournament I compiled some inputs for a newer umpire that was working with us. The tournament was a USA sanctioned event.
After composing the tips, I looked up references in the USA Umpire Manual. Now I have a question about the mechanic for the PU to verbalize the out on a fly ball to the outfield. I also checked my NFHS Umpire Manual to see what they had. The NFHS covers it under Movement from the Plate in item 4. “On fly balls to the outfield not near the foul line, move to obtain a good angle to the catch versus straight at the fielder catching the ball. If the ball is caught, give an out signal and a verbal ‘out’ call.” The USA version is similar, on fly balls not near the foul line: B.1.d.2) “If the ball is fair and not caught, no signal is needed. No verbal call is given. If the ball is caught, give an out signal.” There are multiple passages within this section that are greyed out, indicating that these were updates this year. I have always verbalized (and signaled) even the most can-of-cornish catches. If I have a plate partner who doesn’t verbalize, I’ve always asked that they do. Is this a change for USA or was something inadvertently omitted? Four or five years ago, I asked a plate partner why he wasn’t verbalizing fly ball outs. He said he worked “college ball” and the philosophy was no verbal call so as not to (further) embarrass a girl who made an out. He also gave a very weak little fist turn over near his belt. My BS antennae started twitching, but since I don’t work “college ball” I couldn’t refute the statement. Anyhoos… Comments? |
My (confusing) philosophy, based on what I have been taught at all levels:
1): Every call is the same: Verbalize and signal, except on pitches called balls (no signal). 2): Every call is different: Some need selling. Others do not. Some, like infield line drives, need no selling but deserve a strong vocal call because the speed of the game is dependent on your call. Your BS detector is in fine working condition, as far as I can tell. |
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I actually prefer a verbal out on all such calls if for no other reason than keeping a routine. Doesn't have to be loud, just be something other than silence. |
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When you call a strike, do you tell everybody where the pitch was? STRIKE...on the corner! I usually get a "why the hell would I do that" look, so I ask them why they feel the need to tell everybody when they call a ball....It just looks like they have to justify their call. |
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Where the play is does not matter, it is the "closeness" and the situation. Even some base runner calls do not need a verbal. As to infield line drives, the tough ones get a long & loud verbal to reward the fielder and show the batter they were robbed. :cool: However, I don't get the speed of the game factor. :confused: |
If I am trying to watch runners on 1 and 2, I appreciate a loud call for the tag up purposes
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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. |
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