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Actually, I think that Plate signal is universal and correct.

You can have a pitch go through the strikezone and hit the plate - in slopitch, that's a ball, specifically because it hit the plate.

Quote:

Originally posted by BretMan
Since I got stuck doing all the pitching for my team this year (no one else would do it- I wanted to play SS!) the calls of "deep" and "short", combined with the hands- and foot!- antics indicating the pitch location just about drove me bonkers.

Another frequent signal I see is the one indicating that a pitch has hit the plate. It's the one where the umpire hits two fists together, end-to-end, so that when the fists touch they are roughly in the position they would be in if you were gripping a bat. It is often accomanied by the verbal call of "plate".

Is this signal used in other parts of the country?

Is this a standard signal described in any rule book or umpire manual for any association?

Used alot here. I think it's the "language" the players are used to and by changing it to the "correct language/mechanics" it would create more questions then most want to deal with.

Quote:

Speaking ASA

It is inappropriate, but it is used. The well-trained umpires will use the approved signal for a ball which hits the plate or in front of the plate which is a "dead ball" signal with the verbal "ball". Slowly, but surely, the players are catching on to this.

1) Describing the location of the pitch is the coach's and maybe the broadcaster's job, not mine (except for non-obvious "plate" hits).
2) the dictionary describes ""deep" as a vertical dimension, so when the pitcher says "deep ?" and it was high, just nod. :D

Quote:

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
Speaking ASA

It is inappropriate, but it is used. The well-trained umpires will use the approved signal for a ball which hits the plate or in front of the plate which is a "dead ball" signal with the verbal "ball". Slowly, but surely, the players are catching on to this.

Mike:
I thought about what you said above... interesting. I know we weren't taught that mechanic up here in the great Northwest. Questions for you:

- Since we're taught "Verbal down, visual up", would you, while in the set position, verbalize "ball", then stand up and give the "dead ball" signal? Or would they both be one action, done at the same time?

- Would your verbal be "dead ball - ball", "dead ball", or just "ball"?

- Would you do this mechanic also for leagues where stealing is not allowed? Or only for leagues where it is?

Quote:

Originally posted by SRW

Quote:

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
Speaking ASA

It is inappropriate, but it is used. The well-trained umpires will use the approved signal for a ball which hits the plate or in front of the plate which is a "dead ball" signal with the verbal "ball". Slowly, but surely, the players are catching on to this.

Mike:
I thought about what you said above... interesting. I know we weren't taught that mechanic up here in the great Northwest. Questions for you:

- Since we're taught "Verbal down, visual up", would you, while in the set position, verbalize "ball", then stand up and give the "dead ball" signal? Or would they both be one action, done at the same time?

As you do, when in a set position, I give ball/strike while down and then come up with the signal. I don't see any reason to change. It is still a ball call unless the batter swings.

Quote:

- Would your verbal be "dead ball - ball", "dead ball", or just "ball"?

Just "ball".

Quote:

- Would you do this mechanic also for leagues where stealing is not allowed? Or only for leagues where it is?

I think it is a good mechanic regardless of whether stealing is available in the game or not. Making it a habit also prepares the umpire for Championship Play when stealing is available.

I appreciate your responses, thanks! :)