Timing is everything

[robbie]

Interesting comments and questions?

I have only attended NSA clinics and done NSA tourneys. Have never been corrected or instructed otherwise.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by robbie

Interesting comments and questions?

I have only attended NSA clinics and done NSA tourneys. Have never been corrected or instructed otherwise.

That clears that up. The ASA and NFHS manuals both say something like, "Balls are not nothings, so make a verbal call."

(But don't fist pump, wave your hands, etc.)

[Dakota]

Doesn't the NSA rule book have a rule that starts something like "A ball is called by the umpire when..."

How do you "call" a ball if you never say anything?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Doesn't the NSA rule book have a rule that starts something like "A ball is called by the umpire when..."

How do you "call" a ball if you never say anything?

In ASA, how do you "call" a pitch that hits the plate in SP with stealing?

For the record, I do verbalize a pitch that results in a ball.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

In ASA, how do you "call" a pitch that hits the plate in SP with stealing?

"Hit the plate!"

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by SethPDX

"Hit the plate!"

And in SP with stealing, two double fist pumps.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by robbie

Interesting comments and questions?

I have only attended NSA clinics and done NSA tourneys. Have never been corrected or instructed otherwise.

From the NSA rule book:

Sec. 8 A ball is called by the umpire:
a. For each pitch, which does not enter the strike zone, or touches
home plate, which is not hit or swung at by the batter.
b. For each illegally pitched ball not hit or swung at by the batter.
c. When a pitch hits the batter outside of the strike zone.
d. When the catcher fails to return the ball directly to the pitcher as
required in Rule 6, Sec. 3 e.
e. When the pitcher fails to pitch within five (5) seconds.
f. For each excessive warm-up pitch (See Rule 6, Sec. 7).
g. When the pitcher attempts a quick return pitch, the pitcher shall
be given a warning.
EFFECT: Rule 7, Sec. 6 a-g. The ball is dead and baserunners
may not advance.

Note the words in red. "A ball is called...." It should always be verbalized. Silence is calling nothing.