"Where was that pitch?"

[SC Ump]

In fastpitch, I quietly say, loud enough that only the catcher can hear me, "Catcher, that was a little high", "a little low", "just missed inside", or whatever.

The catcher usually yells my exact verbiage to the coach, "That just missed inside." It's like the coach and fans all think that's the catcher opinion, too.

I think that's a suggestion I got from here on this board.

[BretMan]

Went to my local high school baseball clinic last weekend and one of the instructors talked about "chirping". He had a slightly different take on this- one that I like and may try.

(I knew if I went to enough baseball clinics that, eventually, I'd pick up something useful for softball! But they sure weren't too thrilled with my "heel/toe" plate stance, good pelvic alignment to the outside corner, or following pitches by keeping my nose on the ball. Note to self: When in Rome...)

The instructor's take on the question, "Where was that pitch?", was that there were only four acceptable answers- either "up", "down", "in" or "out".

By keeping the reply one-word, you explain your reasoning behind the call in a quick and efficient manner. Really, what more information does the catcher need to know? Your call of ball or strike makes it obvious whether or not you thought the pitch was in or out of the strike zone.

The one-word answer shows that you are willing to answer the catcher's question, yet unwilling to entertain lengthy discussion about pitch location. You are being cooperative and providing the requested information, while at the same time making it known that this isn't a subject on which we're going to dwell.

By adding commentary beyond "up, down, in, out", such as, "Just a little bit off the plate", it could make you look less-sure of your call, or that you're guessing on the borderline pitches. It can also pigeonhole you on future calls. If you explained that one pitch was, "Just a little outside", and another pitch comes in "just a little" closer to the plate, the catcher is going to expect a strike, even if your judgment is that it's still a little off the plate.

That last point jibes with the explanation of why we do not routinely announce pitch locations as part of our typical "ball" calls (for example, we are supposed to say, "Ball", not, "Ball, outside"). Don't give the person asking, "Where was that pitch", any possible ammunition to pick away at your reasoning or judgment on subsequent pitches.

I know that over the years I've answered the question, "Where was that pitch", in any number of ways, including most that have been offered in this thread. I've said, "Just a little bit high", "Down below the knee", "Just off the corner", or, "Out of the strike zone". I think I'll try the one-word approach and see how that works in a game situation.

[wadeintothem]

Thats a good answer and reasoning.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

LOL, I like that one. Consider it stolen.

By me, as well (i.e., not original)

[stevegarbs]

Originally Posted by first2third

first off to answer the question, I tell the catcher inside or outside. never say high or low the coach can see that and if you say high or low they will keep chirping. If chirping gets to much just ask the coach "you're not questioning the strike zone are you? If you are I we both know I will have to ask you to leave."

A few years back a coach asked me, "How do you know the pitch is a strike?" I said, "That's easy my right arm goes up." Coach and partner both chuckled and that was the last comment I heard all day.

Consistency and timing on balls and strikes usually avoids this problem unless you are dealing with inexperienced coaches.

Thanks for this answer. As a football official and softball coach, I feel like I am operating in two different worlds. As a coach I know that I only ask this question when I can't tell if the pitch was in or out- as you say I can usually see if it is up or down. Thanks for being willing to provide this information.

I do understand from other's posts that this is usually a thinly-veiled attempt to question calls. But please try to consider that not every coach is just a coach, and some do have the utmost respect for our partners who wear blue/red/grey instead of B&W stripes!

[SRW]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

&*%@(^#%*@ IDIOT $Y(^^#%@% mat is the WORST thing to ever happen to slow pitch.....

Now tell us how you really feel.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by SRW

Now tell us how you really feel.

Darryl doesn't normally speak out until he's had a few beverages.

For example, after drinking just a few at Chisholms, he confided in me (and Mike, too) that he was a black man. We were so astonished, we stopped several people that walked by to ask them if they knew that.

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Darryl doesn't normally speak out until he's had a few beverages.

For example, after drinking just a few at Chisholms, he confided in me (and Mike, too) that he was a black man. We were so astonished, we stopped several people that walked by to ask them if they knew that.

LIES!!!!!!!! ALL LIESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by azbigdawg

LIES!!!!!!!! ALL LIESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Which part?

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Which part?

The "just a few" part... slanderous accusations.....

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Darryl doesn't normally speak out until he's had a few beverages.

For example, after drinking just a few at Chisholms, he confided in me (and Mike, too) that he was a black man. We were so astonished, we stopped several people that walked by to ask them if they knew that.

Were you previously uncertain of gender?