Should Call Be Verbal?

[Panda Bear]

Given that close games between better teams often are soo loud (at least around here) that it can be hard for anything to be heard, "No Catch" can too easily be heard as just "Catch".

Just like calling strikes, foul balls, outs (which you don't have with a no-catch), if you don't call it, its because you don't have it!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Panda Bear
Given that close games between better teams often are soo loud (at least around here) that it can be hard for anything to be heard, "No Catch" can too easily be heard as just "Catch".

Just like calling strikes, foul balls, outs (which you don't have with a no-catch), if you don't call it, its because you don't have it!

Not only do I understand, but agree with this. If I could do it and get away with it, I would be a happy camper.

However (bet you knew that was coming), when there is a possible trap both teams believe that what they needed occured. If you make no call at all, and as you noted everything is so loud, the defense will most likely play the ball as a catch while the offense is playing it as a hit.

I'll stick with my "NO" & "CATCH". I may even say "NO" twice and with my calls, they are going to hear me. It works, gets the job done and on top of that, shows a measure of decisiveness an umpire needs to sell what at least one team is going to believe to be a questionable call.