Channel-surfing today I came across the NCAA Baseball NCs and it reminded me of a question I once heard a member of the NUS ask.

When a strike is called, why does the umpire look to the right? Is the umpire checking to see if their right hand is still attached to the wrist? Has an umpire ever discovered their right hand missing after a strike call?

That's a good question. It's just habit I guess. I've called baseball as well as softball the past 4 years. This year, I switched to using the "hammer" strike signal which is made in front of you to stop myself from doing that. Reasoning behind it is I have worked a lot of games solo this year and more than once i found my self missing action because i was so used to turning as I make my call. It's actually a really bad habit in my opinion (but hey, I'm umpiring high school ball and they're doing the college world series, so who am i to talk :))

-Josh

I realize you once heard an NUS member ask this question, but Mike:

Are you ACTUALLY asking a baseball question?? LOL :)

Serg

I always thought they were turning toward the visitor's dugout, pointing at the manager as if to say, "That was a strike, screw you coach."

(Of course, if this were true, they'd have to point the other way when calling strikes against the home team, huh?)

It is the most ridiculous MLB mechanic ever adopted by the lower levels. I suppose with a 4+ crew, there is little risk, but in a single or even two umpire crew, using a mechanic that has the PU face away from the action during a live ball is just plain silly.

You even see in in the LLWS (both fast pitch and little ball).

I think it is used because they think it makes 'em look like the big boys. What it actually does is make them less effective umpires.

Another thing I see that even otherwise good umpires use is a big punch out on a called third strike. Even with runners on, they turn their whole body sideways and make an elaborate motion, losing sight of the entire field for a couple seconds. Very dramatic, but dumb.

http://cwsomaha.com/html/images/img_...%28CMYK%29.jpg

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/mi...smiley-011.gif

Hook 'em!!!

BTW, just how many countries participate in the tournament represented by the logo above?

Sorry, but I'm not arrogant enough to think that everything that happens in the U.S. is the best in the world.

If it feels good, do it?
 

I got to experience exactly what Blue Ape mentioned...

I am BU. 1 out, no runners on. Pitcher throws a good breaking ball on the outside corner. Batter doesn't swing, PU goes up with the right hand, says "Strike!"....... then turns his body, hollers "Oooooouuuut!" and gives the old chain a good yank...

And of course he never saw the ball missed by the catcher go careening to the backstop. The runner took off, but when he screamed "Out!", she stopped. Catcher stayed with the play, and threw to first in time. PU finally realizes what happened, we conference, and award B-R first as she was placed in jeopardy by the incorrect "out" call. Defensive coach (understandably) wants to have a little chat with my partner.

I've learned many things the hard way...glad this one was my partner.

Charlie

This reminds me that I've wondered why college umpires signal strikes with an uppercut punch move in front of them, while most of us use a hammer that starts straight up from the shoulder. Theirs looks more aggressive and negative to me.