"Ballgame!"

[tcblue13]

I don't know why, but I say it when the game ends by mercy rule but not when it concludes normally. Just something I picked up somewhere

[CelticNHBlue]

The only situation I have used this mechanic is when a game ends prior to the final out of the inning and all players are not aware that the game is over. In this sole case, when the play may continue after the final run has scored and I am certain that all runners have met their responisibilities to insure there can be no appeals that could otherwise change the outcome, do I make any game concluding remark or signal. In this case, it is for the safety of the players that the play not continue at the risk of an injury. I will typically declare, "That's game ladies/gentlemen" (don't laugh, the terms are only meant to be identifying, not necessarily accurate) and give the dead ball signal to bring an end to all actions. Other than that, I wait until they stop coming back onto the field, then I meet my partner and exit quietly.

[OklahomaBlue]

I do and I don't know why... Point taken...

Along those same lines, why do umpires call a foul, "foul ball". It's just a foul. Everyone knows it's a ball... You wouldn't call a strike a "strike ball" or a ball a "ball ball"....

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by OklahomaBlue

I do and I don't know why... Point taken...

Along those same lines, why do umpires call a foul, "foul ball". It's just a foul. Everyone knows it's a ball... You wouldn't call a strike a "strike ball" or a ball a "ball ball"....

Hmmm, I must be ahead of my time - sometimes I do call just "foul" or "dead".

[wadeintothem]

Well, if its not obvious to all (ie girls lining up) and since most of my games are timed games, not a 7 inning game, i say it to let them know thats the game.

I dont just gather up my stuff and wander off the field with everyone standing around wondering whats going on as others on this forum might. I imagine with games officiated by those types of umps they figure it out eventually.. hey blue left, must be game over. I choose to let em know.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

Hmmm, I must be ahead of my time - sometimes I do call just "foul" or "dead".

I always say dead ball. If not, the teams may think I'm referring to one, or both, of my eyes

[wadeintothem]

I'll also add that not saying "ball game" because you cant find permission to do so in your little book is the height of absurdity

[tzme415]

I know I say something like that when the game ends by time limit or by run rule, but I don't think I do when it ends normally. Then again I never really thought about it.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

I'll also add that not saying "ball game" because you cant find permission to do so in your little book is the height of absurdity

I honestly believe you need to go back to the top of either thread and reread the posts. The question I raised was that there are people who honestly believe that the umpire is required to declare a ball game is terminated. This belief is the point that I noted as a myth.

I asked if any other association with the exception of NCAA instructs their umpires to make such a declaration.

Absolutely no one has mentioned that they do not use the verbiage because the book to which they refer does not tell them to do so.