being consistent calling balls and strikes

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by greymule
Sometimes I say "deep," sometimes the more accurate "over the zone." I now often make a sort of "come here" motion with my right hand. That gesture seems to be universally understood.

Speaking ASA.

Maybe so, but not appropriate. A pitch at which the batter does not offer to strike and/or does not come in contact with the bat is either a "ball" & "strike".

The pitch is not "deep", "inside", "outside", "back here", "on the plate", "high", "low", "short", "flat", etc. Other vocals prior to this could include "illegal", "no pitch", "time" or "dead ball".

Accommodating signals are strike/out, delayed dead ball, dead ball, count, infield fly, hold up play or play ball.

You are not taught to point at where the ball lands, point up in the air or over your shoulder. You do not make a "come hither" motion or a "walk like an Egyptian" movement of your flat hand, palm to the ground moving toward the pitcher. Shouldn't pound a fist on fist, palm on fist for a ball that hits the plate or closed fists for a full count and unless you are asking for help on a check swing, do not point toward first base.

I'm sure some folks think this is a bit on the anal side and that's fine. Someone asked for help and I didn't think it would involve mechanics, but once it did, I felt compelled cover the bases, so to speak.