In article <MPG.22e85654d35fd167989c54.DeleteThis@newsgroups.bellsouth.net>, Dale
Hicks <dgh1138.DeleteThis@southernbell.com> wrote:
> In article <20080716160009.E7306.DeleteThis@mirage.skypoint.com>,
> ashbury.DeleteThis@skypoint.com says...
> > On Wed, 16 Jul 2008, mark.wolven.DeleteThis@gmail.com wrote:
> >
> > > You wouldn't the ump yelling ball while the pitch is on its way to the
> > > outfield.
> >
> > Doesn't an umpire call "Infield Fly, if fair"? Why not "Ball, if not
> > swung at"? 
> >
> > But more seriously, don't most plate umpires make no call at all on
> > a ball? Just a shrug, or a turning away from the pitcher, as though
> > he's suddenly ashamed to look the poor chap in the eye.
>
> You know he's indicating the direction that the pitch missed, right?
> In case the pitcher wasn't sure if it was away or simply too low for
> his tastes.
Bad form to verbalize a strike on a swinging strike unless it was a
partial swing... then it's "He went... Strike." Else, just make your
strike motion.
On a ball, just say "Ball."
Don't get in a habit of calling where the pitch was. You might help
out a catcher in kid's leagues, especially if a pitcher is getting
frustrated. "Ball. If he gets that up a bit, it's a strike, catch."
The following was written with non-pro ball in mind, but much of it is
directly applicable all the way to MLB.
INSIDE PROTECTOR
Assume a position behind the catcher looking between the catcher and
the batter; you must be able to clearly see the pitcher, the entire
plate and the batter's knees. To see all of those elements, it is
important to move into "the slot" --that area between the catcher and
the batter. The farther you are into the slot, the better you will see
the strike zone. Two additional factors have tremendous impact on your
view of the strike zone: head height and stability. Your head should be
positioned so the bottom of your chin is even with the top of the
catcher's helmet. If you work with your head lower, your view of the
knee-high pitch at or near the outside corner of the plate will be
restricted. The head is straight ahead looking at the pitcher. Your ear
closest to the catcher should be just to the outside of the catcher's
shoulder. These are good starting positions. From the moment the
pitcher releases a pitch until the ball arrives in the catcher's glove,
your head should remain absolutely still. If your head moves at all,
your view of the strike zone will be blurred and your judgment will be
inconsistent.
Assume your crouch when the pitcher is about to release the ball.
You'll view the pitch from between the batter and catcher. Don't go
down too early, for you will put unnecessary strain on your muscles.
Relaxation between pitches is very important. Many umpires wear
themselves out for the late innings by staying in a set position for
too long a period of time. The upper body should remain in an almost
upright position.
One important note, don't kneel down to view the pitch. You must
remember that in a two or three-man crew, the plate umpire often covers
third base. Going to third from a standing position is far easier and
quicker than trying to get there from your knees. (It's true that some
great umpires kneel; there are usually exceptions to every rule. But,
unless you're an exceptionally fast umpire, stay in a crouch, not on a
knee.) When kneeling, you give the impression that you are physically
tired or bored and not in the game.
Whichever position you use, it is important that you do not put a hand
on the catcher or position yourself against the catcher. Your hands
should be kept in front of you. You may hang them at the side of your
legs, hold them together in front of you or hold on to your thighs.
Don't put your hands over your shin guards at the knees or put them on
the catcher. This practice always looks bad to the spectators.
THE PLATE UMPIRE AT WORK
When working behind the plate or on the bases, use the indicator in
your left hand. A little bit of experimentation will show that it was
not made for the right. Use of the indicator in the left hand frees the
right for use in calling strikes. It is very difficult to change the
indicator with the right hand and there is danger of throwing it away
while calling pitches.
The mask is removed as often as possible when the plate umpire is not
actually engaged in calling balls and strikes. The left hand is used in
removing the mask, shift the indicator so the thumb is free. Grasp the
mask so that the thumb is at the side of or under the jaw and the index
and middle finger are gripping the frame. Remove the mask by lifting
out first, then up. By using this method, you can be sure that your cap
will remain on your head. By keeping the mask in your left hand you
will avoid the danger of hitting a player with it or throwing it while
calling a runner out. Most people feel that the out signal looks better
if made with an empty right hand.
In calling a batted ball hit down the baseline, the plate umpire should
remove his mask as soon as the ball is hit. Hustle up the baseline as
far as possible(30/45 foot line is recommended) . Be sure to stop
before it is time to make your decision. On a hard hit ball the umpire
may not have time to remove his mask or get to the baseline. Do the
best you can.
The plate umpire should make the decision on the batter running
inside/outside the three foot line and interfering with the first
baseman taking the throw. This play occurs only on a bunt or slow
roller down the first baseline, therefore, he should be in good
position while the base umpire probably will not.
As the plate umpire, be sure to give the batter a chance to get set in
the box before the pitcher pitches the ball. If the pitcher begins his
motion while the batter is not ready and it is unintentional, call
"time". If he does it on purpose, call "time" and warn him. Each such
pitch after a warning will result in an illegal pitch being called in
Little League (with runners or bases empty) and a balk (JR/SR/BG only)
with the bases occupied. A quick pitch may be called without warning,
but it is good mechanics to stop play the first time because of
possible physical danger.
Under normal conditions, the plate umpire will have to go to third base
to cover a play anytime a runner goes from first to third on a batted
ball. He should go down the line in foul territory, then cross into
fair territory as close to the base as possible. If there is an
overthrow, the umpire (remain in fair territory) must beat the runner
to home plate so he can call the play.
The plate umpire should leave his place behind the catcher on every
batted ball. He should come out in front of the plate so he can get a
better view of the plays taken place on the field. If there is a
possible play at home, the plate umpire will need to move into position
for the best possible view of the play.
BRUSHING THE PLATE
Every gesture and motion of the umpire means something. There is even a
correct way to dust the plate. The umpire should assume a position (as
a courtesy to the fans) with his back to the pitchers mound. The feet
should be spread apart about the width of the shoulders. Bend at both,
the knees and hips. Brush with a vigorous motion toward and away from
the umpire.
The plate should be brushed before each half inning and as needed
during play. Above all, do not allow the catcher (or other players) to
brush the plate with hand or glove. Ask him to request that you do the
brushing.
When a catcher is making remarks about your call, never let him turn
around to protest more than once. Put a stop to it, warn him. A good
way to do this without embarrassment to him is to brush the plate and
look him in the eyes and explain your dissatisfaction. Take more stern
action the next time it happens, if he is a slow learner.
BETWEEN INNINGS
The first duty of both umpires between innings is to keep the players I
hustling on and off the field. He will then stay on that side of the
plate to be out of the player congestion which may occur on the side of
the field of the team coming to bat. A good spot to stand is just off
the foul line, even with the plate. While at that spot, the umpire
should attend such duties as counting warm-up pitches, replenishing his
ball supply, inspecting the baseballs in his ball bag, and seeing that
there is no equipment such as gloves or bats left on the field. The
umpire should never lay his equipment on the ground between innings.
(i.e., mask, chest protector, etc.)
>> Stay informed about: Runner reaching first. 
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