Basework: Every Play Counts

Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Our Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Initial Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Before the Ball Is Hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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The Base Umpire’s Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 When the Ball is Hit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Calling Plays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Special Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Things You Shouldn’t Do . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Chapter 2

SIGNALS

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W

hen it comes down to it, there are two basic signals that a base umpire must give — out and safe. Sure, there are a few more calls that a base umpire must make, but the basics are the safe and out call.

Let’s take a look at those two signals, and also look at a couple of additional signals that can be made to supplement one of the more basic signals.

Out Signal

The basic out mechanic is simple — arm at shoulder height, elbow at a 90-degree angle and hand in a fist, simulating the action of banging (lightly) on a door.

But as umpires know, there is more than one out signal. In fact, Brammer compared his out signals to ordering at a fast food restaurant.

A

B

The two signals that designate an out are the routine fist with slight motion (PlayPic A) or the overhand punch (PlayPic B).

“Think of your calls like small, medium and large, like ordering a meal at McDonalds,” he said.

The basic mechanic would be the small, while adding a louder voice and emphasis would be a medium.

The “large” out is typically an overhand punch, while stepping into the call and using your voice.

“I was taught the ICE method — anything that is important,

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close or exciting — you want to supersize that out call,” Brammer said.

Safe Signal

While there might be three variations of an out mechanic, there is really only one safe mechanic. The closer the play, the more voice or stronger emphasis that the mechanic gets.

The arms should be no higher than shoulder height when giving a safe signal.

“There aren’t many differences between a routine safe and close-play safe,” Uyl said. “If the play is close enough where you are having to give a safe, it shouldn’t be that different, maybe a 1 and 1A.” What to Watch Signals are your means of communication with players, coaches, fans and your partners. Strong and crisp signals are the best way to get your message across.

Foul ball

The signal for an uncaught foul ball is not a point toward foul territory — that is actually a secondary part of the correct signal. The first part is to signal the ball is dead by putting both hands in the air. The closeness of the call determines how

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demonstrative the umpire should be. An obvious foul ball likely needs no call, but a very close call needs a very demonstrative call and loud voice.

The signal to call time or to call an uncaught foul ball is the same.

Special signals

Some outs and safes aren’t routine, and several supplemental signals add to the out or safe to provide clarity.

A tag. Usually followed by a verbal statement of, “On the tag,” or just “Tag,” the signal is to point at the players involved, specifically at the location of the tag on the body. The signal would then usually be followed by the “medium” level out — typically, it’s not routine, but it’s also not a “whacker.”

A

B

To indicate there was a successful tag on a play, point at the tag (PlayPic A) then call the out (PlayPic B). Since you pointed at the tag, there should rarely be any need for a more emphatic out signal.

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Off the bag/no tag. A sweeping motion of the hands that follows a safe call, usually the safe call that has the most emphasis, especially if it appears a tag was made or if the defender was just off the bag. The umpire can say, “No tag,” or, “Off the bag” along with the signal.

A

B

When the fielder is pulled off the bag by a poor throw and does not tag the runner, the base umpire should indicate the runner is safe (PlayPic A) because the fielder was not on the bag (PlayPic B).

No control. Usually a juggling motion, that signal indicates the ball was being bobbled and the fielder did not have control in time for an out to be recorded. A routine safe call would typically accompany that signal.

If the fielder did not control the ball in time to record the out, a juggling motion can be given following the routine safe call.

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On the transfer. This signal is normally seen involving a play at second base, although there are times it can be used all over the field. It indicates that a defensive player had control before dropping the ball while attempting to pull the ball out of his glove in order to make the next play.

“All of those signals are very important; they are your believability,” Henrichs said. “When you use ‘off the bag,’ sweep the way the player was off the bag. When there’s a tag, guys like to tap themselves where the tag was. That’s believability.”

If the fielder records an out, but drops the ball before making a throw, the “on the transfer” signal may be given. Give the signal vertically so it is not confused with a safe call.

Pre-Pitch Signals

The umpiring crew needs to communicate the game situation before each batter and following each change in circumstance (runners moved or an out is recorded). Those signals should include the number of outs, an infield fly situation, a rotation possibility and whether there is a potential time play.

Those signals can vary from crew to crew, but it is important for a crew to pregame the signals to understand what each umpire is telling the other. When the plate umpire gives the initial

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