Calling time

[Panda Bear]

I have to echo Mr. Rowe, who is as usual on top of it all. Calling AND signaling time when required by rule or when you judge it necessary, or appropriately requested prevents problems, and maintains control.

Side story. Last year I had a game with a pitcher that was TOTALLY deaf. Good, promising pitcher. About mid second inning, I got a little lazy with the call and the signal after a requested time, mid at bat, by a fielder for an equip. problem.

Most of the local girls are VERY on top of things, and so we don't have many problems with game proceedings. We all expected brief delay, so batter didn't step clear out, catcher stayed in crouch, I stood there watching the fielder fix the problem. The deaf pitcher didn't pick up on the situation, and suddenly here came a fast ball, clocked her catcher, caromed up off my mask, off the backstop, came back toward the batter! Needless to say, that cured my laziness for the day!

Pitcher could read lips, but only if you a) removed the mask so she could see your lips, and b) actually looked at her. Morale of the story: make sure everyone knows what you called if you want them to respond appropriately.