Called 3K, ASA SP
 

I call ASA SP, and only ASA SP. Lately, I've been increasingly focusing on the little things when I call ball. Last night, I had a couple of called 3Ks. I called a sharp "Strike!" like usual, came up, gave the strike signal, then dropped it kind of like an out sell, but with a more downward motion (as opposed to a "throwing" motion). Kind of like hammering a nail next to your left leg. I don't give any verbal call other than the strike.

I was wondering if you all would consider this "showing up" the batter.

No. I don't think it is showing up the batter. And with an AA, who really cares anyway? Back when I did call SP, my called 3K was no different than my called 3K in FP.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

Strike with a standard hammer is all that is necessary.

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

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. :D

Sorry, just couldn't resist.

Well, you never know which site is going to have its yearly between-inning egg toss contest! :eek:

I've never seen an indicator with a backlight. What's the deal with that?

I always show up with a small gym bag that contains my jacket (just in case), my street shoes, a couple extra brushes and indicators (in case my partner forgets his), and the extra lenses for my sunglasses (dark for sunny, orange for overcast, clear for night). It's also nice to have somewhere I can throw my ball bag when I switch from PU to BU between games.

Well, I think what I'll do is forget the hammer for the lower classifications (ie., kids or Coed J League - because "C" just ain't low 'nough), but use it for higher classifications.

And heck, those of us who work "real" softball, have to have all of that stuff.

Sorry, just couldn't resist. :D

Hey man.. stop talking about me in front of my face.. jeez.

Just call strike 3.. the batter already probably has to buy a few 12 packs or wear a pink shirt or whatever punishment they get when they strike out. They dont need you to tell them ... they will get theirs from their team.