Slow Pitch Umps

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Here is my take on this topic:

1) The prescribed mechanics and signals are so partners can work with each other first time on the field and so players, coaches, and fans will know what the umpire's call is without having to hear the verbal.

2) Many umpires object to limiting themselves to these mechanics and signals because of everything from local custom to a built-in rebellious streak.

3) Non-standard signals and mechanics are evidence of a less well-trained umpire or one who basically doesn't give a damn about what his sanctioning body requires or recommends. He's gonna do it his way and nobody can stop him.

4) The fist-pounding serves no useful purpose. It communicates no information that the players need to have to know what they should do. It is no different from any other call of "ball". If there is no stealing, they don't do anything anyway. If there is stealing, the dead ball call works, is standard, and everyone understands what it means.

Fist pounding is hardly the only example of non-prescribed signals. It is, however, evidence of... well, see #3.

No one is going to change Mr Piano's mind, and if you browse the other boards on this site, you'll notice that his internet personna is at least consistent.

Well, your discussion in (1) is certainly true.
Your conclusion in (3) is wrong.

The mechanic I described does not violate any thing in the manual and is a well established custom in the leagues our association officiates. We sent three umpires to the nationals last year, alone.

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

Well, your discussion in (1) is certainly true.
Your conclusion in (3) is wrong.

The mechanic I described does not violate any thing in the manual and is a well established custom in the leagues our association officiates. We sent three umpires to the nationals last year, alone.

And again, we see the arrogance of a willful ignorance that manifests itself in magnanimous fashion.

Why am I beginning to think this guy is a troll?

[Dakota]

I note you didn't dispute #4. So, why do it?

Originally Posted by jimpiano

Well, your discussion in (1) is certainly true.
Your conclusion in (3) is wrong.

Really? The second part of #3 doesn't fit you? Gosh, ya fooled me.

Originally Posted by jimpiano

The mechanic I described does not violate any thing in the manual ...

Not true. ASA Umpire Manual, Slow Plate Mechanics, Calling Balls and Strikes,

The umpire is not to be an announcer or broadcaster on the field. Let the people broadcasting the game describe the pitches... All the umpire should say is 'ball' or 'strike'. Describing the pitch is a cop out for an umpire... use only a slight body motion toward the location of the pitch.

There is more, but you aren't interested anyway.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I note you didn't dispute #4. So, why do it? Really? The second part of #3 doesn't fit you? Gosh, ya fooled me.

Not true. ASA Umpire Manual, Slow Plate Mechanics, Calling Balls and Strikes, There is more, but you aren't interested anyway.

There is no verbal with the double fist,,,,so the admonition about being a broadcaster or an announcer has no bearing on the discusion.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

There is no verbal with the double fist,,,,so the admonition about being a broadcaster or an announcer has no bearing on the discusion.

I understand that you have no intention of changing, let alone admitting you are wrong on this board, but you conveniently overlook the only body motion prescribed for a ball. I also said there were other instructions to umpires on making the ball call, but since you are not interested, I'm not going to waste my time typing them. Suffice it to say, your claim that the fist pounding signal does not violate ASA umpire mechanics and signals is wrong. You can continue to claim it isn't wrong, but it is.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I understand that you have no intention of changing, let alone admitting you are wrong on this board, but you conveniently overlook the only body motion prescribed for a ball. I also said there were other instructions to umpires on making the ball call, but since you are not interested, I'm not going to waste my time typing them. Suffice it to say, your claim that the fist pounding signal does not violate ASA umpire mechanics and signals is wrong. You can continue to claim it isn't wrong, but it is.

That would be your interpretation, not mine.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

...interpretation,...

Reading comprehension, more like.

By majority vote of the members of this forum, I am pleased to present you with the following award.



For $50 I can have an commemorative embroidered patch made for you to proudly display on your umpire shirt. Let me know.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Reading comprehension, more like.

By majority vote of the members of this forum, I am pleased to present you with the following award.



For $50 I can have an commemorative embroidered patch made for you to proudly display on your umpire shirt. Let me know.

Disgression is always the better part of valor, even in sophomoric execution.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

That would be your interpretation, not mine.

No. If you are reading what Tom wrote, that would be, and is ASA's interpretation!

[Dakota]

I guess it boils down to attitude toward umpiring. Someone once said (paraphrasing) that integrity is what you do when you can't get caught or no one is watching. Umpiring is much the same.

Do you only conduct yourself, present yourself, etc., according to the level of play and whether you are being evaluated?

Or, do you always try to show up early, with the proper uniform, clean and pressed, and use the signals and mechanics of your sanctioning body?