verbalizing the count

[Paul L]

Any communication that reasonably can be expected to convey the count to the players and coaches works for me. I started to describe my own practices, but it got so long, complicated, and boring that I decided to spare y'all. They do include both holding up a left fist and two fingers on a right hand and saying "no balls, two strikes" and just holding up the right hand and saying "oh-two" or "two strikes". I've only been formally evaluated once in five years and don't recall whether this issue was addressed.

I will say that I only use a double-digit number, like "eleven", when I'm wearing my hat backwards or my shinguards outside my pant legs, neither of which has ever happened.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SamG

Speaking as a fan, I don't understand how the left is the "balls" and the right is the "strikes". Even from the stands, I'm picturing how that looks to someone FACING the PU. From someone in that position, the strikes are on the left and the balls on the right... since you would verbally say balls then strikes, it looks wrong to me.

I believe someone else has already mention call a strike with right hand, indicate a strike with the same. Of maybe, it is for the same reason we all read from left to right, so we understand. Not much is more annoying than an umpire who uses the wrong hands. I've seen teams go crazy over this.

Did run into an PU at a couple tournaments this year who did it as a number... 1 & 2 was "twelve". 3 & 0 was "thirty". It was very distinctive. I just don't remember what he did for "no balls".

Yeah, I've done this, but only with close communication with catcher or batter. It works if they understand. If you get a silly look, just repeat the count in a manner they can understand.

BTW, because we all understand the number of balls is announced first followed by the number of strikes, it is not uncommon for an umpire to respond to a request for the count simply with numbers and not identifiers (i.e., one-two, three-one, zero/ohh-two, etc.).

[RadioBlue]

Right or wrong, for several years I've verbalized 0-2 by saying, "Two strikes. Oh-two!" It's quick, non-offensive, and not likely cause for someone to pop off with a verbal comment.

As for the reasoning behind showing the count with strikes on the right hand ... I was taught many years ago that was so the scoreboard operator (who is behind the umpire) would see the count the same order it is represented on the scoreboard.

[wadeintothem]

What came first the scoreboard or the count?

And why the hell is the clicker backasswards then!

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

...And why the hell is the clicker backasswards then!

Not all of them are...

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by RadioBlue

R ... I taught many years ago that was so the scoreboard operator (who is behind the umpire) would see the count the same order it is represented on the scoreboard.

I seem to remember someone posting (maybe on this board) about an umpire who used the opposite hands for the count so the pitcher could see the count in the correct order!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

I seem to remember someone posting (maybe on this board) about an umpire who used the opposite hands for the count so the pitcher could see the count in the correct order!

If s/he was dyslexic, maybe.

Then there are those who raise the respective hand while announcing each portion of the count.

[RadioBlue]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

What came first the scoreboard or the count?

When did the currently-used mechanics for showing the count get introduced?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

What came first the scoreboard or the count?

And why the hell is the clicker backasswards then!

Mine isn't.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

What came first the scoreboard or the count?

The egg!

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

The egg!

And the chicken looked pretty pissed about it, too, but they fortunately make pills for that.

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

I know this is a minor question...

I've never run into the problem...
> "The count's oh and one."
> "It's thee and two."
> "Es tres y uno."

And...
> "Home team, we need another softball."

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

What came first the scoreboard or the count?

And why the hell is the clicker backasswards then!

I have NEVER considered that 'backasswards' I am reading UP...

and every time I try one of those so-called 'correct' indicators, I get so f%^%% up, I RUN for my old reliable 'normal' indicator....

And I have always equated 'no balls' with 'hit her in the box!' - for the first I just raise the the fingers on the right and go 'Two strikes" loudly and authoritatively. For the second its 'dead ball - hit her there!' - while pointing....

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

And I know several of our membership who probably would have the 'hot moms' clicker, if ASA sold it....