One of the things I try to emphasize with new umpires, when the ball is live, is to *not* hold up their hand simply because the batter holds up his hand towards you as he is digging in as he first enters the batter's box - especially with runners on base. I see some umpires with the habit of holding up their hand for *every* batter. No! By holding up your hand, you are essentially calling time. What if the pitcher attempts a quick pickoff attempt while your hand is up? The ball is dead. There can be no pickoffs. You should always strive to keep the ball live as much as possible. Remember, the burden is mostly on the *pitcher* not to pitch the ball until the batter is reasonably ready. That's why there is a penalty for a "quick pitch." The pitcher should be able to see, as clearly as the umpire, that the batter is not ready. If he starts his wind-up, or begins to become set while the batter is not ready - ONLY THEN should you raise your hand and stop him. On occasion, I will hold up my hand, if the ball is *already* dead - just as a reminder to the pitcher - especially a pitcher who likes to work quickly. Then I give the "Play!" signal. In short, holding up your hand should not be a frequent signal you give.
Absolutely. If you really want to signal to a pitcher not to throw - look at the batter, and avoid getting down until he's squaring up. 95%+ of pitchers out there will not pitch to a batter that isn't ready, particularly if the umpire is clearly aware and not set for a pitch - the other 5% are going to get called for a balk or a quick pitch, or are just looking at the umpire/catcher anyway. Just turn your head slightly so the pitcher knows you're watching the batter - and keep 1B in your FoV (or at least the runner and U1) so that you're available for any developing plays, and ready to roll on a pickoff/overthrow.
A question that I rarely see in competitive leagues but is common in our rec league: B1 hits a routine ground ball to an infielder who throws to F3 who initially drops the throw. BR has not run hard to first so there is time for F3 to recover the ball before the runner arrives. What must F3 do to get the force out? Is covering the ball with their glove while touching the base sufficient or must the ball be picked up off the ground?
EXCELLENT DISCOURSE. ALL HS UMPIRES SHOULD WATCH THESE VIDEOS.
Thanks for the support!
I have done this a long time no these videos cover just about everything you could encounter on the field
don't forget on case play 14 you also have to eject DC after he yells for about 20 seconds
LOL @20 seconds...
lmaoooo
Would love to hear more on dead ball catches and penalties associated to the catch.
Another outstanding video lesson, thank you for the time, effort, and professionalism. This is a fantastic service!
Thanks for the support!
Patrick, thanks for putting these together each week. I've been sharing with several of my umpire friends too. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for the support!
Thank you for yet another professional video.. Great job.
Aren't you a Houston County Umpire?
One of the things I try to emphasize with new umpires, when the ball is live, is to *not* hold up their hand simply because the batter holds up his hand towards you as he is digging in as he first enters the batter's box - especially with runners on base. I see some umpires with the habit of holding up their hand for *every* batter. No! By holding up your hand, you are essentially calling time. What if the pitcher attempts a quick pickoff attempt while your hand is up? The ball is dead. There can be no pickoffs. You should always strive to keep the ball live as much as possible.
Remember, the burden is mostly on the *pitcher* not to pitch the ball until the batter is reasonably ready. That's why there is a penalty for a "quick pitch." The pitcher should be able to see, as clearly as the umpire, that the batter is not ready. If he starts his wind-up, or begins to become set while the batter is not ready - ONLY THEN should you raise your hand and stop him.
On occasion, I will hold up my hand, if the ball is *already* dead - just as a reminder to the pitcher - especially a pitcher who likes to work quickly. Then I give the "Play!" signal.
In short, holding up your hand should not be a frequent signal you give.
Absolutely. If you really want to signal to a pitcher not to throw - look at the batter, and avoid getting down until he's squaring up. 95%+ of pitchers out there will not pitch to a batter that isn't ready, particularly if the umpire is clearly aware and not set for a pitch - the other 5% are going to get called for a balk or a quick pitch, or are just looking at the umpire/catcher anyway. Just turn your head slightly so the pitcher knows you're watching the batter - and keep 1B in your FoV (or at least the runner and U1) so that you're available for any developing plays, and ready to roll on a pickoff/overthrow.
Thanks for the review videos - Houston County Umpires
Outstanding weekly review for NFHS umpires whom after their state test should review a series like this one. Great Work!
Thanks for watching and supporting!
A question that I rarely see in competitive leagues but is common in our rec league: B1 hits a routine ground ball to an infielder who throws to F3 who initially drops the throw. BR has not run hard to first so there is time for F3 to recover the ball before the runner arrives. What must F3 do to get the force out? Is covering the ball with their glove while touching the base sufficient or must the ball be picked up off the ground?
Ball needs to be "held securely"
2-24
Is there Umpires interferance on a pass ball if the catcher runs into the umpire while trying to get the ball for a play at the plate?