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A visual signal (arm pump) only indicates that a strike has been called. I always call the batter out on a caught 3K, or un-caught 3K if runner on 1B and < 2 outs. This insures that the batter and catcher (the only ones that need to know) are aware of the situation. Absent any vocal out call, the batter better be running and the catcher better be tagging or throwing.
If I do not call the out, I will just stand there until the batter is legally put out (by leaving the field or being tagged or 1B tagged, or any forced runner being put out).
The verbal out call is supported by the ASA Umpire's Manual for JO FP though I don't know why it would not be valid for adult men and women's FP.
This technique must be used in MLB. In papers today, Chicago's batter last night is quoted as saying the umpire did not call him out so he took off for 1st base. OTOH, the Angel's catcher said that he did not hear the umpire say "no catch" so he threw the ball on the ground to the mound. Maybe their mechanics are too complex, though because of the long distance to 1B they have more time to sort it out. For SB I would not advocate the "no catch" call. Either call the out or be silent; let the players figure it out.
WMB
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Thu Oct 13, 2005, 09:17am
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