Umpires responsibility

mrmom,

I don't have the benefit of having seen what happened on those plays but based on what you posted the situations could have been stopped.

If the umpire judged that the third strikes were caught all he had to do was verbalize "the batter's out" when the BR started to run to first base. This would give a clear indication that the out has been made.

I have a feeling, however, that something else may have occurred that caused the umpires to allow play to continue. If not, then the umpires let a situation get out of hand that never had to happen.

Also: You said that rundowns occurred. On strike three, the catcher had the ball. If the third out had been recorded and the catcher knew it, (no reason why he shouldn't) why would he throw the ball to another fielder to try to put out a runner? Any info you could add would be helpful.

The catcher never threw the ball. One part I left out was that each time the count was 3 and 2 and the kid in each instance ran to first thinking he'd walked. That left a kid who thought he was out still on first and a kid jogging to first. Players wanting to be sure ran in and got the ball and tried to make a play.

It was bizarre. basically both times the umps were the type that were not very vocal/take charge types. To me that's never good.

But to have them say it's not their job to call the third out -- that part I never understood.

Ok.....well the additional information (re: the walk) does help here....so thanks!

Heres my .02

To the play...Assuming HS Varsity level play....3 balls 2 strikes.....ball comes in...without a swing there should be some vocal call of "Strike 3"...(you have to call the pitch)..This call should be loud enough for the catcher and batter to hear it so as to be clear.......This would be enough for the batters in your cases to know they had not walked.........

If the umpire makes no call in this instance but uses just a hand motion to signal the strike then he has brought on the chaos you described.....

I've never been shy about vocalizing my calls.....and for an umpire to casually ring up a batter with a count of 3 balls and 2 strikes and 2 outs is rare........More often than not in our training of new Umpires we have to tone down the "punch out" call........we try to instill a desire to be professional and not cartoonish in our mechanics.......

Indeed, much easier to understand now.

Ump appears to have been too timid with his punch out. No reason for anyone to be confused with a called third strike.

Thanks for the extra info.

The association I belong to wants the plate umpire to signal the third strike and if it's not caught then to give the safe signal (no verbal).

MichaelVA,

There has been much discussion on this site and others regarding signals by the plate ump on third strikes not caught. There doesn't seem to be any definitive "how to". That is, whether to verbalize "no catch" or simply give safe signal. (or both)

Different associations or chapters will treat it different ways but, by all means, if your assoc. says signal only, then it's signal only.

Pilsner is giving great advice........you should always follow the accepted mechanics of your local chapter....

Even if you do not agree 100% with the mechanic, ignoring the accepted mechanic of your local chapter can hinder your development and advancement....Pick your battles....this is one to pass on.....