Good stuff Patrick. I like that you make clear that "Do not pitch" means the ball is dead, every bit as dead as if "Time!" had been called. I was surprised though that you mention putting the ball back in play after the "Do Not Pitch" mechanic with a full point and "Play!" mechanic just as if time had been formally called. Out west here we all just drop our hand or at most transform it to a point, but with no verbal. Several of the mechanics you mention are different from what any of the HS guys use in my area, but there have always been regional differences to these.
Most likely you have worked with James Bond 007 umpires who are secret agents who don’t say much of anything throughout the entire game. They seem to think that being very quiet and cool is being a good umpire. Pointing and saying play after the do not pitch signal doesn’t hurt anything. Why not comm?
Oftentimes, batters hold up their hand towards the PU as they enter the batter's box. I never hold up my hand when they do this - especially when there are runners on base. The umpires need to keep the ball live as much as possible. The pitcher can clearly see when the batter is ready and, BY RULE, has the responsibility not to pitch when the batter is not reasonably ready. If a pitcher starts his wind-up or comes set when the batter is not ready, I will usually stop him and start everything over. I'll usually say something to the pitcher like, "Slow down. Wait until the batter is ready." This is seldom necessary as most pitchers understand the rhythm of the game. The less experienced the pitcher is, the more I find I have to interject myself. I'm certainly not going to allow a pitcher to sling a fastball toward a hitter who is not ready or even looking at the pitcher. Now and then (rarely), the defensive manager will say something like, "He's in the batter's box. He has to be ready." Not true! Batters do not have to be ready the very instant they step into the box. Here are other instances when time is sometimes requested that I do not grant it. 1) An infielder has just received the ball from a hit into the outfield and he immediately requests time while still a great distance from the pitcher. I usually tell him to get the ball to the pitcher. He doesn't get a free, no-jeopardy throw to the pitcher. 2) With runners on 1st and 3rd, the catcher sometimes requests time so he can step out in front of the plate and give the infielders signals. I usually say, "Go ahead and give your signals, but the ball is live." 3) A runner requests time just so he can stand up after sliding into a base. Unless it was particularly messy with dirt flying everywhere, I usually do not grant time just so he can get up off the ground for free. 4) After the last warm-up toss by the pitcher, some teams (including the catcher) like to gather around the mound. They are not requesting time (the ball is already dead) but it always delays the first pitch to that inning's lead-off batter. When I see them do that once, I admonish the team not to do that again. It's usually a ritual that they do before *every* inning that should not be allowed. When the pitcher has thrown his last pitch, the catcher has thrown it down and the ball has gone around the infield, they don't THEN get to have a mound meeting. It's time to "Play ball!" However, I will allow a quick visit by the catcher to a new pitcher who enters the game mid-inning after that pitcher has completed his warm-up tosses.
@@DavidEmerling79as to prevent "Knoblauch types" spending all day gardening in the batters box, any prep needs to be done with one foot out of the box. Good topic for pre-game "Ground Rules". Is a slippery slope to allow "time" to batter right at the point of delivery, so "never allow" is best practice, with a "mulligan" or no pitch for the first occurrence, and reminder that no 'time" can be given to batter once "to pitcher" signal is given.
@@adamtparker6515 Are you saying that once the pitcher gets the signal from the catcher, no time can be granted to the batter? If a pitcher comes set and remains set for an unreasonable amount of time, batters often request time. I will grant that if I also agree that the pitcher has remained set for an unreasonable amount of time. This is the *opposite* of rushing. When a pitcher likes to rush the batters, what often happens is that each batter steps into the box with their hand extended to the umpire. They'll often do this before every pitch. The PU should not have to be the traffic cop for every pitch. Hold the hand up. Don't pitch. Put the ball in play. Go ahead and pitch. Don't pitch - pitch - don't pitch - pitch. The ball is dead - then live - then dead - then live. That's ridiculous! All of this because the pitcher is in a big hurry. The pitcher has the burden of *not* pitching until the batter is ready. The batter does *not* have to be ready the very instant he steps into the batter's box. He must be allowed a reasonable amount of time to get ready. The pitcher can see what the PU sees. If the batter is not ready - don't pitch. This is why there is a penalty for a "quick pitch."
I played in "ready leagues" where batter is not even allowed to dig in which is "too extreme". I always hand up 3 seconds or when both feet in box, after pitches allow batters to do glove rituals get signs with one foot in box so they know batters won't get quick pitched, if pitchers are turning into human rain delays during pitches remind between innings "don't wait to get signs when hand is up" and other friendly reminders, requires some gameplay so pace is workable for both b and ps.
Each state has some flexibility in signals but this vid could easily be applied to other jurisdictions. As a former umpire, and usually a lone umpire, having to run a clicker and keep track is a challenge. Especially in a hot GA sun sometimes the click don't click. And after reviewing the sagas of the 1992 ALCS, WS and beyond, it would be nice that after pitches ump will give the # fol ball or strike. Great emphasis on time and to pitcher. The prob with Infield Fly is the call requires verbal and is issue when crowds are present or when it's a stiff wind. Solution and what I did is in IF sit wait until ball is caught and call time. Rarely players will goose and let ball drop to try to double up runners and is never taught as a strategy anyway (bad practice). If fielder is struggling (sun) and ball drops within IF, it's still "Infield Fly" and I would still call "time" and send runners back to base. Did see that both fists closed is "full count" and "is also correct" ❤
Signaling is good. It sometimes seems redundant, and ridiculous, but it can be very helpful, especially when doing multiple games in a day, getting tired, or a lot of things happen at the same time. Keeping both umpires on the same page helps to reduce the chance of error, and helps make sure every play is covered well.
While I understand you were reviewing "official" signals. One mechanic that is simple and effective, is whenever the situation on the field changes, i.e. base runners advance, et al, plate and base umpire signal -point with the arm the direction that THEY will be rotating (if any) - and on the hand that is pointing indicate the outs. This way each of the umpires are constantly, and easily reminded of the outs, and there is rarely any need for the "official" signal for outs.
It should be "double tag" That is a rotation with runners on 2nd and 1st with less than 2 outs. On a fly ball to the outfield that is going to have R2 tag and try to advance on the catch, the plate umpire can rotate to third for the play.
Thanks for your time and energy Patrick. I’m taking your teaching as the definitive word on ‘Do Not Pitch’ signal creating a dead ball. I have considered it a dead ball for 30 years.
Hope it helps! But also, they added that interpretation in the NFHS Rules Book this year for the first time! It's on page 71! So, you can find it in the rules and not just from the pale guy on the internet 😅
@@rayray4192 it's really not new in any way. it's been in the back of the regular rulebook for years, and it's not unique to NFHS in any way either. Apparently all that's really new here is that it's been more formally defined in the NFHS mechanics manual.
@@davej3781 thanks Dave. Being wrong is a good thing. I’m always happy to be proven wrong so I can make an adjustment and get it right. Patrick seems to be saying it’s a new rule. Perhaps he didn’t use the word rule. Yang I have certainly worked with umpires who consider the ball live when they put up the wait a moment signal. I’m happy for clarification. Do you have the rule number as usual, or has it always been a mechanic?
If I'm behind the plate, I start calling every pitch a strike that doesn't bounce before it reaches the plate. My partner perceives this as an indication that I'm quite hungry and that he (they) need to start thinking of dining options. Then, during the half-inning, we'll meet along one of the baselines and compare thoughts.
I'm surprised that there is no signal in the FED Umpire Manual for calling obstruction. It used to be the strange signal of a closed fist with an extended arm parallel to the ground - which I always thought was corny because nobody knew what it meant *other* than the umpires. That signal has been removed and is no longer the obstruction signal. Then - what is? Here's what the Umpire Manual says, "Since an obstruction or interference call might create controversy, the use of the proper signal when such infraction occurs often precludes an argument. It also is evidence of umpire competency, as well as control of the game." This begs the question: What is the signal for calling obstruction? It's nowhere to be found that I can tell. Consequently, I use the same signal for balks, interference and obstruction. I first point at the infraction and say, "That's obstruction!" or "That's interference!" or "That's a balk" then quickly follow it up with the "Time" signal if the ball is dead, which it always will be for interference and a balk but not necessarily for obstruction." This makes it very clear WHAT you're calling and WHERE it happened. I recently had a game where my partner (BU) called obstruction while a runner was rounding 2nd and headed for 3rd. He bumped into the shortstop. He did not verbalize the call and used the old mechanic of making a fist. I saw it. I knew what it meant. But nobody else saw or heard anything. The outfielder's throw was in time to 3rd where the third baseman made the tag on the runner before reaching the base. This did not go well. I think it would have been much better had he energetically pointed to the infraction and said, "That's obstruction!" and allowed the play to continue. THEN, he could have called the runner safe at 3rd and everybody would have understood *why* he was calling a runner safe who seemed to have been tagged out.
You're exactly right. The best mechanic option is to point at the infraction and loudly call out "Thats obstruction!" Definitely better than the old mechanic!
"To Pitcher" applies as it eliminates issue if team wants to appeal something. As to avoid ALL CAPS outrage and these are great vids, an instructional "Ground Rules" topic❤
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you Patrick. A great service to GHSA and all of NFHS baseball.
Great reminders for experienced Umps and required viewing for 1st year guys. Love the presentation.
This is so good...highly recommend to any beginner umpire or veteran needing to brush up.
Good stuff Patrick. I like that you make clear that "Do not pitch" means the ball is dead, every bit as dead as if "Time!" had been called. I was surprised though that you mention putting the ball back in play after the "Do Not Pitch" mechanic with a full point and "Play!" mechanic just as if time had been formally called. Out west here we all just drop our hand or at most transform it to a point, but with no verbal. Several of the mechanics you mention are different from what any of the HS guys use in my area, but there have always been regional differences to these.
Most likely you have worked with James Bond 007 umpires who are secret agents who don’t say much of anything throughout the entire game. They seem to think that being very quiet and cool is being a good umpire. Pointing and saying play after the do not pitch signal doesn’t hurt anything. Why not comm?
Oftentimes, batters hold up their hand towards the PU as they enter the batter's box. I never hold up my hand when they do this - especially when there are runners on base. The umpires need to keep the ball live as much as possible. The pitcher can clearly see when the batter is ready and, BY RULE, has the responsibility not to pitch when the batter is not reasonably ready. If a pitcher starts his wind-up or comes set when the batter is not ready, I will usually stop him and start everything over. I'll usually say something to the pitcher like, "Slow down. Wait until the batter is ready." This is seldom necessary as most pitchers understand the rhythm of the game. The less experienced the pitcher is, the more I find I have to interject myself. I'm certainly not going to allow a pitcher to sling a fastball toward a hitter who is not ready or even looking at the pitcher.
Now and then (rarely), the defensive manager will say something like, "He's in the batter's box. He has to be ready." Not true! Batters do not have to be ready the very instant they step into the box.
Here are other instances when time is sometimes requested that I do not grant it.
1) An infielder has just received the ball from a hit into the outfield and he immediately requests time while still a great distance from the pitcher. I usually tell him to get the ball to the pitcher. He doesn't get a free, no-jeopardy throw to the pitcher.
2) With runners on 1st and 3rd, the catcher sometimes requests time so he can step out in front of the plate and give the infielders signals. I usually say, "Go ahead and give your signals, but the ball is live."
3) A runner requests time just so he can stand up after sliding into a base. Unless it was particularly messy with dirt flying everywhere, I usually do not grant time just so he can get up off the ground for free.
4) After the last warm-up toss by the pitcher, some teams (including the catcher) like to gather around the mound. They are not requesting time (the ball is already dead) but it always delays the first pitch to that inning's lead-off batter. When I see them do that once, I admonish the team not to do that again. It's usually a ritual that they do before *every* inning that should not be allowed. When the pitcher has thrown his last pitch, the catcher has thrown it down and the ball has gone around the infield, they don't THEN get to have a mound meeting. It's time to "Play ball!" However, I will allow a quick visit by the catcher to a new pitcher who enters the game mid-inning after that pitcher has completed his warm-up tosses.
@@DavidEmerling79as to prevent "Knoblauch types" spending all day gardening in the batters box, any prep needs to be done with one foot out of the box. Good topic for pre-game "Ground Rules". Is a slippery slope to allow "time" to batter right at the point of delivery, so "never allow" is best practice, with a "mulligan" or no pitch for the first occurrence, and reminder that no 'time" can be given to batter once "to pitcher" signal is given.
@@adamtparker6515 Are you saying that once the pitcher gets the signal from the catcher, no time can be granted to the batter?
If a pitcher comes set and remains set for an unreasonable amount of time, batters often request time. I will grant that if I also agree that the pitcher has remained set for an unreasonable amount of time. This is the *opposite* of rushing.
When a pitcher likes to rush the batters, what often happens is that each batter steps into the box with their hand extended to the umpire. They'll often do this before every pitch. The PU should not have to be the traffic cop for every pitch. Hold the hand up. Don't pitch. Put the ball in play. Go ahead and pitch. Don't pitch - pitch - don't pitch - pitch. The ball is dead - then live - then dead - then live. That's ridiculous! All of this because the pitcher is in a big hurry.
The pitcher has the burden of *not* pitching until the batter is ready. The batter does *not* have to be ready the very instant he steps into the batter's box. He must be allowed a reasonable amount of time to get ready. The pitcher can see what the PU sees. If the batter is not ready - don't pitch. This is why there is a penalty for a "quick pitch."
I played in "ready leagues" where batter is not even allowed to dig in which is "too extreme". I always hand up 3 seconds or when both feet in box, after pitches allow batters to do glove rituals get signs with one foot in box so they know batters won't get quick pitched, if pitchers are turning into human rain delays during pitches remind between innings "don't wait to get signs when hand is up" and other friendly reminders, requires some gameplay so pace is workable for both b and ps.
Excellent. Speaks clearly, no hesitation in communication, uses hand motions only when necessary.
Great video & information.. Houston County Umpires appreciate it.
with your playoff situation.. Couldn't your U1 stopped the chirping from the 1b coach? ..
Thanks, Patrick. Excellent, reminders. So much appreciated. Ed, from Las Vegas, NV.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video, very good information. Houston County Association.
Each state has some flexibility in signals but this vid could easily be applied to other jurisdictions. As a former umpire, and usually a lone umpire, having to run a clicker and keep track is a challenge. Especially in a hot GA sun sometimes the click don't click. And after reviewing the sagas of the 1992 ALCS, WS and beyond, it would be nice that after pitches ump will give the # fol ball or strike. Great emphasis on time and to pitcher. The prob with Infield Fly is the call requires verbal and is issue when crowds are present or when it's a stiff wind. Solution and what I did is in IF sit wait until ball is caught and call time. Rarely players will goose and let ball drop to try to double up runners and is never taught as a strategy anyway (bad practice). If fielder is struggling (sun) and ball drops within IF, it's still "Infield Fly" and I would still call "time" and send runners back to base. Did see that both fists closed is "full count" and "is also correct" ❤
Excellent presentation and articulation.
Glad you liked it!
Signaling is good. It sometimes seems redundant, and ridiculous, but it can be very helpful, especially when doing multiple games in a day, getting tired, or a lot of things happen at the same time. Keeping both umpires on the same page helps to reduce the chance of error, and helps make sure every play is covered well.
As a lefty, I need to "fix" myself. I point to the pitcher with my left and hold the do not pitch with my left. I need to work on using my right hand.
While I understand you were reviewing "official" signals. One mechanic that is simple and effective, is whenever the situation on the field changes, i.e. base runners advance, et al, plate and base umpire signal -point with the arm the direction that THEY will be rotating (if any) - and on the hand that is pointing indicate the outs. This way each of the umpires are constantly, and easily reminded of the outs, and there is rarely any need for the "official" signal for outs.
To illustrate a difference for SOFTBALL, Rule 4-1-5 states, "The game begins when the umpire calls "Play Ball."
It would so nice and less confusion if softball and baseball got together and used uniform mechanics when they could.
What exactly does "double rotation" mean?
It should be "double tag"
That is a rotation with runners on 2nd and 1st with less than 2 outs. On a fly ball to the outfield that is going to have R2 tag and try to advance on the catch, the plate umpire can rotate to third for the play.
Thanks for your time and energy Patrick. I’m taking your teaching as the definitive word on ‘Do Not Pitch’ signal creating a dead ball. I have considered it a dead ball for 30 years.
Hope it helps! But also, they added that interpretation in the NFHS Rules Book this year for the first time! It's on page 71! So, you can find it in the rules and not just from the pale guy on the internet 😅
@@UmpireClassroomShould we inform coaches at the plate meeting of the new do not pitch rule?
@@rayray4192 it's really not new in any way. it's been in the back of the regular rulebook for years, and it's not unique to NFHS in any way either. Apparently all that's really new here is that it's been more formally defined in the NFHS mechanics manual.
@@davej3781 thanks Dave. Being wrong is a good thing. I’m always happy to be proven wrong so I can make an adjustment and get it right. Patrick seems to be saying it’s a new rule. Perhaps he didn’t use the word rule.
Yang I have certainly worked with umpires who consider the ball live when they put up the wait a moment signal. I’m happy for clarification. Do you have the rule number as usual, or has it always been a mechanic?
@@davej3781 went back and checked and Patrick the pale guy ( his self deprecating joke), used the word “ rule” on page 71 of the 2023 Fed. rule book.
What is the signal for "Where do you want to eat after the game?"
If I'm behind the plate, I start calling every pitch a strike that doesn't bounce before it reaches the plate. My partner perceives this as an indication that I'm quite hungry and that he (they) need to start thinking of dining options. Then, during the half-inning, we'll meet along one of the baselines and compare thoughts.
I'm surprised that there is no signal in the FED Umpire Manual for calling obstruction. It used to be the strange signal of a closed fist with an extended arm parallel to the ground - which I always thought was corny because nobody knew what it meant *other* than the umpires. That signal has been removed and is no longer the obstruction signal. Then - what is?
Here's what the Umpire Manual says, "Since an obstruction or interference call might create controversy, the use of the proper signal when such infraction occurs often precludes an argument. It also is evidence of umpire competency, as well as control of the game."
This begs the question: What is the signal for calling obstruction? It's nowhere to be found that I can tell.
Consequently, I use the same signal for balks, interference and obstruction. I first point at the infraction and say, "That's obstruction!" or "That's interference!" or "That's a balk" then quickly follow it up with the "Time" signal if the ball is dead, which it always will be for interference and a balk but not necessarily for obstruction." This makes it very clear WHAT you're calling and WHERE it happened.
I recently had a game where my partner (BU) called obstruction while a runner was rounding 2nd and headed for 3rd. He bumped into the shortstop. He did not verbalize the call and used the old mechanic of making a fist. I saw it. I knew what it meant. But nobody else saw or heard anything. The outfielder's throw was in time to 3rd where the third baseman made the tag on the runner before reaching the base. This did not go well. I think it would have been much better had he energetically pointed to the infraction and said, "That's obstruction!" and allowed the play to continue. THEN, he could have called the runner safe at 3rd and everybody would have understood *why* he was calling a runner safe who seemed to have been tagged out.
You're exactly right. The best mechanic option is to point at the infraction and loudly call out "Thats obstruction!"
Definitely better than the old mechanic!
It’s like swallowing the most sour drink watching these videos
Patrick how can I go about getting in touch with you besides on here?
Best way is definitely email. Patrick@umpireclassroom.com
@@UmpireClassroom thanks and I appreciate it very much!
When it comes to your gear what do you use
@@michaelhogg324 do you mean in terms of what equipment or where do I get it?
@@UmpireClassroom what do you use is what I'm asking!
Its "PLAY BALL"! STOP LYING! ALWAYS HAS BEEN ADN WILL BE!
"To Pitcher" applies as it eliminates issue if team wants to appeal something. As to avoid ALL CAPS outrage and these are great vids, an instructional "Ground Rules" topic❤
In softball, yes. In baseball, no. 4-1-5 is the NFHS rule reference