With an addition to signaling DB, I also say loud enough for the batter and catcher to hear me, "illegal". The pitcher doesn't need to hear me as they should be able to see the signal but if they ask (nicely), I'll tell them what the problem was with the pitch.

Unless there is stealing signaling dead ball is a waste of effort. Nothing in slow pitch can happen until the batter swings.

It might be wasted effort, but it is a required mechanic that will save you some grief at some point when the whiner,,,,,I mean pitcher, says, "but you didn't signal illegal, you can't claim it after the pitch got there,"

CYA, make the signal too

I'm sure you meant "DDB"

I meant to say Dead Ball and that's what I thought I said. :confused:

I thought you meant DDB also.
Why would you say DB instead of DDB? or have I been removed to some alternate universe where it is now a DB:D

What the heck does DDB stand for? Dead Ball is 2 words and those words start with a "D" and a "B" hence DB for Dead Ball. Where is the second "D" coming from?:confused:

Delayed Dead Ball

DB=Dead ball. Signal=both hands raised with palms toward the front.

DDB=Delayed dead ball. Signal=left arm extended to the side.


When you said:

you really should have been signalling a DDB.

They're originally from Chicago. It means da dead ball... DDB. :)

An illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball.

I was actually thinking back to my days of living in Louisiana with the Cajun influence so I guess I should have said, DDDB.

"Dat dere dead ball":D

Now I know and I apologize for not knowing the correct internet acronym. I really meant to say "delayed dead ball" and now I know it's DDB and I won't forget. :)

The question referred to a dead ball, i.e hitting the ground before the plate,,,,This is not an illegal pitch or a delayed dead ball and requires no signal, verbal or visual, unless there is stealing.

On an illegal pitch the umpire can declare it at anytime the umpire determines it is illegal,,,even if this means when it has become dead by being caught by the catcher.

Everyone on the field can whine ....but it changes nothing.

Well, actually :rolleyes: the OP offered the possibility the ball hitting the ground in front of the plate as an IP. The first response separated the IP from dead ball. However, the recent responses were to Tom who stated he gives a DB signal on an IP. We were just seeking clarification to avoid confusion for any non-veteran umpire.

However, there is a prescribe mechanic for a ball hitting the plate or ground in front of the plate or the batter which is described on page 225 of umpire manual section of the 2007 ASA Umpire Edition of the rules book.

It is a good mechanic to use for all SP games whether stealing is being allowed or not. For years, umpires have been pointing to the plate, pounding their fists or making some other type of silly looking signal to indicate to the pitcher that the ball hit the plate. ASA has now provided a standard mechanic for this occurence and I see no reason why it should not be utilized when applicable.