Obvious call redux

Originally Posted by SRW

Every pitch is something. It's a strike. It's a ball. It's a no-pitch. It's something... and the plate umpire should verbalize every pitch as appropriate.

Even the swinging strikes? My UIC here said not to verbalize the swinging strikes, especially in slow-pitch. Rationale: why embarrass them with the fact they swung and missed a slow pitch?

[SRW]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

Even the swinging strikes? My UIC here said not to verbalize the swinging strikes, especially in slow-pitch. Rationale: why embarrass them with the fact they swung and missed a slow pitch?

Ah, you're right. Those I don't verbalize either... but they do get a signal.

[JPRempe]

Originally Posted by SRW

Ah, you're right. Those I don't verbalize either... but they do get a signal.

Depending on the situation, I'll even verbalize the missed strikes. Actually, I think I do this on the leagues that have stealing, but right now I can't recall having done it to anyone other than some of my fellow umpires which still play ball...

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by JPRempe

Depending on the situation, I'll even verbalize the missed strikes. Actually, I think I do this on the leagues that have stealing, but right now I can't recall having done it to anyone other than some of my fellow umpires which still play ball...

What is the point of verbalizing swings and misses?

[3afan]

good question - i dont recall ever calling with someone who verbalizes a swing & miss .... i sure dont

[JPRempe]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

What is the point of verbalizing swings and misses?

Picking on fellow blues playing the game

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

Even the swinging strikes? My UIC here said not to verbalize the swinging strikes, especially in slow-pitch. Rationale: why embarrass them with the fact they swung and missed a slow pitch?

Why embarass a SP player on a swing and miss? Ever work a one-pitch tournament when the big mouth, smart-*** player does that?

Well, okay, but the temptation is there!

An umpire should verbalize the strike on a swing that may be questionable (check swing). As a matter of consistency, I do "verbalize" the strike on a swing and miss, but not at an audible level. Sorta like giving an IF indicator when working a one-umpire game.