mechanics again

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Wow, that's a little extreme, don'tcha think? I mean, we're talking about a subtle raising of the hands to signal a foul ball. It's no different than a subtle hammer on an obvious swing and miss, obvious fly ball catch, or an obvious putout of a runner.

Yes, if the foul signal is accompanied by a loud "FOUL!" call, I agree that's unnecessary. But a discreet signal is far from being over-officious, IMO.

It is completely unnecessary and amateurish. I can live with the out call on the bases when the out is obvious because the defense has executed a play, a runner is advancing to a base, you do have issues such as a pulled foot or bobble, etc. But to signal every foul ball that is up in the bleachers is an absolute joke. Umpires use mechanics and signals to communicate to each other, the team members and others who are watching. When grandma sitting in the bleachers at Yankee stadium 350 feet from home plate can tell when Jeter slices one foul, how is it at all appropriate to raise your arms to signal a ripped foul ball straight back to the backstop? Sticking with WHY we have mechanics and signals, what justification is there for signaling here?

Instead of raising your hands, why not reach to the ball bag and get the catcher another ball (assuming it went out of play).

Additionally, if you are going to use a signal, it ought to be done correctly. If you are going to half-ass it because even you have determined it isn't really important, then don't do it at all.

If I have 30 out of the park foul balls in a college game and I raise my hands every time, delaying the time it takes to get the ball to the catcher by 5 seconds, I've add 2 1/2 worthless minutes onto the game. I've likely also irritated the catcher who has her hand out waiting. That's poor game management.