Illegal pitch signal in SP

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Robmoz

I have my guys verbalize the word "illegal" once it is determined as such and avoid the words "flat" or "high". When I see one of them get lazy and wait to call it after it hits the ground I let them know. I don't hold them to a delayed dead ball signal and accept the verbalization as sufficient.

It is, for the batter and catcher. What about everyone else in the game?

[bsnalex]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

It is, for the batter and catcher. What about everyone else in the game?

Isn't the call mainly for pitcher, catcher and batter benefit?

The only trouble I find is not having enough time to call it on pitches coming in low and fast. Often have to simply call Ball and leave the pitcher confused as to why it went thru the strike zone yet was a ball

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by bsnalex

Isn't the call mainly for pitcher, catcher and batter benefit?

No, it is a call of the game and it isn't a secret. How about your partner who doesn't hear the verbal? Or the coaches who keep the count to be aware of the game situation? Or the scorekeeper? Are "ball" and "strike" low enough just for the batter and catcher? On the bases, is it not called only loud enough for the closest defender to hear it?

The only trouble I find is not having enough time to call it on pitches coming in low and fast. Often have to simply call Ball and leave the pitcher confused as to why it went thru the strike zone yet was a ball

That pitch often is difficult to get out in time. You call it right out of the pitcher's hand and the batter still tells you, "you have to call that earlier". Yeah, idiots, but that is beside the point. An IP needs to be called "illegal" as soon as the umpire can. The signal can happen whenever, but it need not be in unison with the verbal.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

It is, for the batter and catcher. What about everyone else in the game?

This is exactly my rationale.

It keeps the idiot in the outfield from yelling, "Hey, Blue, what was wrong with that...It hit right square in the middle of the mat!"

Some of my umpires make plenty of other signals like waving the hand over the head for a pitch that is too high or holding out their hand flat for a pitch that is too low, bu they can't be bothered to make the proper signal?

[SWFLguy]

Although I do not call "lob ball" anymore, maybe it's time to add those signals that everyone really understands to the list of accepted mechanics.