You might be working one umpire games, so that might be sufficient in your games. We work all two man here; and, as a base umpire, I sure as he!! think I need to hear it, too.

If you are verbalizing "ball" (and, yes, it is necessary), then verbalize it loud enough for the base umpire(s) to know the count, too!! And, here's an interesting side benefit; not only will the infielders know (and stop asking) the count, but you can be darn sure the pitcher should be able to hear it, too.

Well, I don't verbalize "ball" that loudly. Loud enough for the batter and catcher to hear it clearly, and probably loud enough for the pitcher and BU to hear it as well.

However, when I call "strike," it's most certainly heard well into the outfield and beyond. If my BU can't figure it out, then BU has more issues than just keeping track of the count.

Thats one way to keep the right fielder in the game :D

Well, I'll admit that it started as overcompensation for being a young umpire (started at age 15). Back then, I felt that a loud voice would show confidence and possibly keep coaches off my back. I was dead wrong. :eek:

Since then, I've toned it down A LOT, reserving the loud voice for only selling safe/out calls, and called strikes.

I know what you mean Steve, but I have never had an issue with my partner knowing the count. When my right arm goes up in a hammer you turn that strike wheel, when it doesn't you turn the ball wheel. And I am normally loud enough that the pitcher and BU can hear, my point was you don't have to yell ball, or say it as loud as a strike call, but you should say it and loud enough "so those who need to hear can hear it" as it was put to me in a clinic. Funny my partner has no issue knowing on a swinging strike it wasn't a ball, again that right arm in the air is pretty unmistakable. :D Ok it's a joke before you pounce on me cause the BU can see them swing. And about the count, I give it as instructed also, on the 3rd pitch and everytime that the next pitch could end the at bat X-2, 3-X but I have seen a lot of umpires that don't lately....seems to add to the questions from everyone on the count.

ASA says to call balls, so I call balls.

If you are working for ASA and you don't call "balls", you are not working the plate properly. You should fix yourself so that you can go to the next level.

If you are working NSA and you don't call "balls".. well you are working NSA, so who cares.

If you are thinking about working a higher level of ball, such as ASA or NCAA, you might get in the habit now, but otherwise, it just doesnt matter.

Wade, I'm glad you're back. I've missed your direct, blunt, & honest posts.

:D