[quote=jimpiano]Thanks for the advice, although the ad hominems diminish your credibility in my opinion.
[quote]

Your opinion of my credibility is NOT one of my greater worries in life.

It is really too bad that you can't just admit that you need to change and adapt to proper mechanics.

[QUOTE=scottk_61][quote=jimpiano]Thanks for the advice, although the ad hominems diminish your credibility in my opinion.
This forum is not exclusive to ASA, not even umpires.

The leagues I work in all have variations of rules and regulations, none conform to any particular rulebook. The umpires are supervised by the league commissioners.

I do belong to ASA and attend the local clinics. The ASA tournaments are dwindling,however. When working for ASA I do try and follow its guidelines.

The plate signal you so abhor will always be used in the leagues I feel it will be helpful to the players.

You never have answered the question of what the players do differently because of your fist pumping that they would not have done with a simple "ball". So, why and how is it helpful?

There are two leagues where the signal is helpful. Co-ed and the lowest mens' leagues. Someone is always asking "where was that pitch?" The fist pump quiets everyone when the ball has hit the plate.

OK, but then why are you opposed to vocalizing the location of the pitch? Same thing, right?

Not to me, since a pitch hitting the plate looks pretty to good to most of the players on the field. I never verbalize anything beyond the decision. But I do spend time between innings and after the game helping a neophyte pitcher understand the slow pitch strike zone.

One exception to the verbalization answer. In these lower leagues I use different words on an illegal pitch, at least in the first weeks of the season.

An illegal pitch is either "flat" or too high"(with the appropriate delayed dead ball signal) Most of these novices seem intimidated by the word "illegal" until they understand that they can swing, if they want, at an illegal pitch. Flat and Too High they seem to understand.

So do lots of other pitches.

[quote=jimpiano][quote=scottk_61]Are you still here?
Yet the OP was.

I am beginning to wonder if this person actually umpires any games. He seems to reply to every post within minutes. Makes me wonder if he's ever on the field working games, showing off his fist pump. Lots of time to reply to posts, tho.

No, the original post was an inquiry about illegal pitches.

Comments about signals for balls hitting the plate came much later.

But it is interesting to note that you suggested a technique that is NOT prescribed by the ASA manual:

---"However, there is a prescribed 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."------

The reference on Page 225 refers only to games with stealing. Without stealing there is no need for any signal since the ball is always dead.

I explained my use of the double fist for balls hitting the plate and how and why I use it and in what level of play. Please explain how your signal, which is also not ASA approved, is better?

[QUOTE=IRISHMAFIA][quote=jimpiano]Sorry, my previous post was meant in reply to yours, not SRW.

The prescribed mechanic for thousands of beer league umpires is to show up in jean shorts, ripped tshirt, and flip flops or to get drafted out of the stands.

I think you guys are talking apples and oranges with this guy. You guys are talking ASA Slow Pitch Championship standards. This guy calls the games with a cig hanging from his mouth because thousands of other beer league umps do it.

2 different animals.

While you response is rather crude and demeaning to the majority of umpires in slow pitch softball, it does make a point.

Most of us slug it out on one man diamonds with players who are accomplished in everything BUT softball.

The ASA manuals are written to develop umpires to the highest level.

I wish you well in your trip to the top echelons of softball nirvanna.

I doubt, however, you will get there faster by bashing all of us who work the games you no longer need. I can assure you I wear nothing but approved clothing and spend a lot of time learning the rules and attending meetings and clinics.

I am limited to a few games a week, and an occasional local tournament.

But, no matter the level of play, I work hard to make the game run smoothly and enjoyably for the players.

Damn, neither one of you have a clue.

That was a response?