Called 3K, ASA SP

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

When you say "I don't give any verbal call other than the strike," are you saying that you don't verbalize "ball?" If so, why not? That is the correct procedure.

I was only referring to strike 3. I do call "ball" loud enough for the batter and catcher to hear me, and just barely loud enough for the pitcher to hear me.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I was only referring to strike 3. I do call "ball" loud enough for the batter and catcher to hear me, and just barely loud enough for the pitcher to hear me.

Okay, so you are saying that you say "strike" on 3K as opposed to something like "strike three" or something of that nature? Gotcha. In that case, I would say keep the mechanic.

I only say "strike" on a 3K as well, though it sounds more like a "heeeaarrrggghhhhe." I used to simply say "three" loudly. Got dinged on that in an eval a few years ago, and never went back.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Okay, so you are saying that you say "strike" on 3K as opposed to something like "strike three" or something of that nature? Gotcha. In that case, I would say keep the mechanic.

I only say "strike" on a 3K as well, though it sounds more like a "heeeaarrrggghhhhe." I used to simply say "three" loudly. Got dinged on that in an eval a few years ago, and never went back.

That's exactly what I'm doing. Occasionally (just occasionally), I might give a "ha!" as I drop the hammer (okay, let's face it, there's no good way to spell it without it sounding like I'm laughing at the batter, which I'm not).

I've been reevaluating every little thing I do lately because, well, I just got offered my first slot at an ASA National. I want to do my UIC proud, make it to Sunday, and perhaps even get asked to do another.

[NCASAUmp]

And FWIW, I don't intend on doing either of those things at the Nationals. I'm just going to call "Strike," straighten the legs, and signal the out/strike. It's the fact that I got invited to do a National that got me thunkin'.

[BretMan]

A somewhat cryptic directive from the umpire manual:

"Don't intimidate or embarass the batter with a called strike three. Use a signal and voice that reflects the importance, difficulty, and/or closeness of the play."

I guess that means to do something a little bit different to distinguish a called third strike- punch it up a bit, but don't overdo it.

Your little extra punch/hammer seems to be right in-line with that directive.

[Stu Clary]

Hmmmm. They're adults. I assume men. Playing on a Little League sized field. The ball is 12 inches and is being thrown underhand. Generally speaking these guys are wearing garish pinstriped pants, use batbag/locker rooms with wheeels and own at least one bat that retails for $200+.

If/when they take strike three they deserve to be shown up, embarrassed and driven to tears.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Strike with a standard hammer is all that is necessary.

The batter knows it is three. Never saw a need for extra "showmanship".

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Stu Clary

Hmmmm. They're adults. I assume men. Playing on a Little League sized field. The ball is 12 inches and is being thrown underhand. Generally speaking these guys are wearing garish pinstriped pants, use batbag/locker rooms with wheeels and own at least one bat that retails for $200+.

Sort of like the umpire which shows up with 10 different uniforms in the back of his/her vehicle, 3 masks worth about $300, 4 pairs if shoes (all treated with Leather Lustre), 6 indicators, some with a clock w/alarm, some with a battery for the back light, 8 different ball bags, a variety of plate brushes, line-up card holders and a few pair of expensive sunglasses for a single JV game.

You know, where you are going to check the bats of these teenagers. And you can tell which ones play travel ball, because they will be the kids with the $200+ bats in the rack and $150 gloves laying on the ground.

Sorry, just couldn't resist.