I'm impressed you could spell vaulde...vaultvill...vaudevilai.......DAMN!

All of these years in public education (aka vaudeville) have paid off!!! ;)

When I started in LL about 10 years ago I did the hammer for SB, and always have. I've done the point for BB, but it was "pointed" out to me that I was turning away from the field, so I switched to a hammer for BB as well.

You know, at first I thought they were robots, too, even as an umpire who did a lot of softball. But as I have worked my way up through softball, I have seen that these "robots" all signal a slightly different way, and behind the "robotic" signals there are umpires with excellent game management skills and rules knowledge.

What I'm trying to say is, you're right: some people just weren't paying attention. :)

I had a partner (PU) yesterday with a cast on the ring finger of his left hand. He had to show the count on his right hand only. He told the coaches at the plate meeting what he was going to do and did it. He did a good job of it as he vocalized the count as he held up fingers for balls and strikes on his right hand.

Too bad it wasn't his middle finger. That would lead to some hilarious "gesturing". :D

yeah, it's fun to imagine what would happen if I shot out a runner in a game. How many of you really think I would imitate Luciano on the field in a real game? I may joke around alot about doing goofy stuff on the field but when I'm really on the field, it's the same professional image that any other umpire in my chapter projects.

You need to know the history of the game to understand the point and the fist.
The use of signals came about because there was a deaf outfielf player (BB of course) and he needed to know the status of pitches etc.
The point came about because in the old days, the scorekeeper would be near the 1st base dugout and thus the plate man pointed in that direction.
We don't need to point as it does not signal anything useful except that your finger is on your hand.:D
Make your signals clear and complete in accordance with your associations requirements.:mad:
I umped long enough ago to remember having to "flush the john":eek: for an out or strike. In other words you reached up like you were pulling the chain on an old fashioned style of commode. (yep, that is old)
Pointing is a favorite of the arrogant ones, of whom I was a member for a long time. I started in small ball and you JUST HAD TO because they always had before.
If you want to get some respect from the coaches and players, not to mention your partners, call it the right way or plan on enduring the eye rolling and snide remarks about the noob who doesn't have a clue.

As an aside, do any of you remember where the left hand to right elbow (in calling a strike) mechanic came from and why?:confused:

Same as the left hand to belly on the out hammer. It was introduced as a separate step to slow down the hammer.