refreshing to see a MLB hammer
 

I am watching a Major League baseball game between the Red Sox and the Bluejays. The PU uses a strong hammer signal for strikes. It does my heart good to see this done. So many times you see these weird looking girations on strike calls that look closer to Houdini trying to free himself than a strike call. I guess I am from the old school. Dave

There are several MLB umpires who use the hammer. The two that come to mind are 12 Gerry Davis and 36 Tim McClelland. I believe there are actually a few others, but can't remember them.

Hammer Umpires
 

Doug Eddings uses the hammer and so does Bob Davidson as well Tim Tischida. Tim actually uses the double hammer when calling strikes. I use the hammer for both baseball and softball. I feel as if I may miss something when doing baseball if I look away and plus I am not coordinated to do out to the side either. :)

SeattleMetroUmp

Ahhhh yes, how could I forget Eddings?? After the 3 billion replays we saw of him last year. ;)

Why are the strike and out signals identical? I like to use different signals in baseball, but conform to NFHS protocol in softball and use the hammer for both.

Softball umpires use just the hammer for strikes and a high reach then hammer for outs.

When I work softball I use the hammer. That's what my association wants and that's what I give them. *** Hammer Time ***

But when I'm doing baseball, well, just call me Houdini :) When I'm working solo or 2-man I face forward when I indicate a strike but you should see the show I put on when I have two partners :D Wow, stand back non-believer

I never teach the "hammer" directly. Always teach the ASA "out" mechanics to teach the rookies how to get to the hammer. I have found that many who try to go right to the hammer end up with their elbow down by their side.

Also, as it pertains to the "hammer" and the proper mechanic, it should always be out and to the right side, not out in front of the umpire's body like s/he is shaking their fist at the player. Not only does that look unprofessional, IMO, it doesn't serve the purpose of the umpire's signals which is to inform those away from the play of the call made.

Yes, I hate that "uppercut" signal usde by D1 umps on TV.