New pitcher - do you tell her the sitch?

[MD Longhorn]

OK - I've never been one to go talk to the pitcher after a change and remind them that there's a runner on 2nd, 1 out, 2-0 count. I thought it was bush league. Truly, it seems juvenile to me to tell the pitcher where the runners are standing - can she not see this?

2 weeks ago, I didn't do this. Partner seemed peeved that he, as PU, HAD to do it because I didn't.

Last week, I started to do this and was waived off and told by partner later that was a huge faux pas, and not to do it. 2 games later, after a change, PU is obviously waiting for me to do it, even pointing at me, then the pitcher.

So ... does ASA have a standard here? And if not - how do you guys feel about it - is it expected? Is it bush? Do you not care?

The ONLY thing I do differently for a new pitcher is as PU, and even then, only on a new pitcher entering in the middle of an at bat --- after the warmups, I'm beside the catcher, get PU's attention, and tell her specifically what the count is, perhaps a little louder than I would have normally.

[Stu Clary]

I did it 20 years ago when I was 17 and just starting out as a little league umpire and the smitty that showed me the ropes told me I should.

I stopped doing it approximately 19 1/2 years ago.

[TwoBits]

Used to do it because I saw others doing it, but I don't anymore. If someone can point out a written mechanic in any ruleset that this is required, I'll start doing it again.

[NCASAUmp]

The pitcher's team already has a coach.

If there's no scoreboard or if the scoreboard is wrong (often the case here), I might give the number of outs, but that's a big "maybe."

If there's an existing count, I'll repeat it, but that's not for the benefit of the pitcher. On any pitching change, there's been a significant pause in the game, so I'll give the count for that reason alone.

Anything other than that is tantamount to coaching. Why not also tell her where her fielders are playing? It's the same kind of info, right?

[IRISHMAFIA]

No, not to the pitcher. However, like after every other break in action, I will provide the outs and count (if there is any) from my position behind the plate.

[CecilOne]

Agree with last two.

[Bandit]

On the Plate I never verbally indicate the # of outs. And I certainly don't do the rotate side to side, make sure everyone along the first base line or third base line can see me indicate the outs. Talk about bush league. As a base umpire I do not turn and tell the outfileders how many outs there are on a normal basis. If the fielders ask I tell them, this includes the catcher. If I think it has been a confusing inning, a long inning or maybe a rookie partner I will somtimes indicate how many outs while "signing" my partner that we have an infield fly situation possible (and that has gotten me in trouble with a UIC before). As far as count, I only indicate the outs in a physical manner towards the pitcher or fielders from behind the plate. Verbally I state the count loud enough for the batter and catcher to hear me. As far as the changing of pitchers. I think the situation dictates my actions. New pitcher from bench I might more often say something if the oppurtunity presents itself. Special trip to mound. No. For a pitcher coming from another defensive position. Even less consideration for making an attemopt to update the situation. New pitcher within a current count. Yes I will make a more direct effort to repeat the count and make sure she is looking at the plate when I do.

The only 2 thiongs I have ever been taught about giving the count is (1) always give the count when there has been a change of position by runners on base. (2) Only give the count once the pitcher has turned and is facing the batter/catcher/plate.

[FullCount]

No I don't go to the pitcher and give a game sit summary. I have had many partners who do and one or two who have given me grief for not doing it. But that is not a prescribed mechanic and I expect the players and coaches to have their heads in the games. Besides, a very good reason for not doing it is that many coaches will change the pitcher near the end of a timed game to stall. Going to the pitcher to give a game summary helps the coach stall and I don't think either umpire should be assisting either coach. Give pitch count and outs and play ball.

[vcblue]

Yep this is old school. Worked with a partner this year that came back from 5 years off, and he taught me this way, but I stopped doing it after working higher level ball.

Here is one for you all. What do you do when a batter is hit by a batted ball in the box. Personally I state "foul ball" and if it was not obvious I will point to the batter in the box and say "Hit her in the box". 99.9% of the coaches and players know what I mean.

However, last year I was told by a rookie blue from a different district that I was doing it wrong. That I must call "Dead Ball"-Point and say, "Hit her in the box"-Then follow up with "Foul Ball". To me this seems redundant.

[KJUmp]

I don't. For all the reasons already posted. The exception would be unless specifically directed to by the tournament UIC or director, or the rule code we're playing under.
If she came in with a count on the batter, I give it from behind the plate, just prior to indicating and verbalizing "Play" to make the ball live.
I do not give outs unless asked.
Like most of you who have replied, I have partners who do it when they have the plate. Drives me nuts. and the only thing I need my BU to be responsible for during a pitching change is counting the 5 warmup pitches if I'm occupied with a coach on substitution/lineup changes.
Besides, most of these teams, (esp. the TB teams), seem to have all these coaches who make it a career of watching every move the opposing team and the umpires make, surely one of them is more than capable of handling this particular detail.

[3afan]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

OK - I've never been one to go talk to the pitcher after a change and remind them that there's a runner on 2nd, 1 out, 2-0 count. I thought it was bush league. Truly, it seems juvenile to me to tell the pitcher where the runners are standing - can she not see this?

2 weeks ago, I didn't do this. Partner seemed peeved that he, as PU, HAD to do it because I didn't.

Last week, I started to do this and was waived off and told by partner later that was a huge faux pas, and not to do it. 2 games later, after a change, PU is obviously waiting for me to do it, even pointing at me, then the pitcher.

So ... does ASA have a standard here? And if not - how do you guys feel about it - is it expected? Is it bush? Do you not care?

The ONLY thing I do differently for a new pitcher is as PU, and even then, only on a new pitcher entering in the middle of an at bat --- after the warmups, I'm beside the catcher, get PU's attention, and tell her specifically what the count is, perhaps a little louder than I would have normally.

NO, you don't coach the players

[txtrooper]

I don't remember who told me to tell the pitcher the game situation on a pitching change, but I have done it historically. I suppose now would be a good time to quite telling them. I have worked with a good bit of umpires and most of them ask the base umpire to tell the pitcher the game situation at the end of her warm up pitches.

On the Dead Ball/Foul Ball situation, I call Dead Ball when there is contact between the batter and the ball. In the event that she is not in the box, the Dead Ball is followed up with a verbal indication of Batter’s out.

[Tru_in_Blu]

I used to review the situation w/ new pitchers but don't anymore. I figure that's the coaches' job.

If there was a pitching change that occurred in the middle of an at-bat, I'll give the count [as I would after any significant delay in the game] before I signal to play ball.