For what it's worth, I fundamentally agree with David's analysis. I have these comments:

While the problem did not arise from his mechanics, his mechanics significantly contributed to the controversy, and his mechanics were at the focus of much of the umpire talk.

To have signaled "swing" followed a considerable time later by the hammer certainly looks like he is calling the batter out. Well, he didn't call the batter out (or perhaps reversed himself). Hence, the controversy about his mechanics.

I agree with the three events you describe, but I go so far as to say that if any "fault" is to be placed on the OUTCOME of the play, the fault lies with the catcher. Not the umpire. Not the batter.

OTOH, the umpire could have prevented all the ruckus with the opposite call OR by not giving the hammer signal prior to calling the U3K.

As far as Eddings' call, I think he blew it. In every sport I believe you cannot call what you cannot see and there is no way Eddings saw that pitch hit the ground. Even a 3rd string catcher in the ML's knows to tag the runner if it's close - he obviously ditn't think it was close.

In WV, we use the hammer for all levels of play and in '04 I did the LL Southern Regionals and we were instructed that while either was acceptable, the hammer was preferred. I believe it's better because your head stays forward where the play is occuring. Turning to point takes your vision away from the play - like a D3K.

I'd be interested in seeing where Eddings eyes were facing when he made that "swinging strike" call.

except for the fact that on a swinging strike, how often does the PU turn immediately to do it? He usually will get up, step back, wait a 2-3 seconds and then casually point to the side, often without even turning to the side. It's only on the called strikes where they'll turn to point, though some umpires will use the hammer for called strikes and thus, they'll never actually turn away from the action...

Why do little ball officials always feel the need to evangelize us poor softball heathens?

And why did this lond dead thread need to be revived?

I'm starting to suspect we have a little troll or a total goof of an official.

I havent decided which.

I know which way I am leaning! :cool:

If it is the former I am going to be mad with myself for wasting so much of my time. If it is the latter, I remain hopeful I have helped convince this official that softball umpires need to use softball mechanics.

Think positive thoughts, Wade...:D

I'm glad you clarified we are talking softball here, and not some innuendo bedtime activity. :D

How am I supposed to remember ANYTHING I posted here 4 years ago! :)