Basic Stances Behind The Plate
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The Box The classic stance behind the plate. Positioned in the "slot" between the catcher and the hitter |
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Side view: Notice the head height. Make sure you can see the "money" pitch; the ball at the knees on the outside corner |
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The Scissors In the slot and head above the catchers |
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Side View: |
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The Knee |
Side View: You've got to be tall to make the best of this stance |
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The Count Hand up high so the pitcher can see it; make sure your not blocked by the batter or a standing catcher |
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The Outs Hands out to the side; make sure your not blocked by the batter or a standing catcher |
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Play Ball Putting the ball in play. Point to the pitcher and call "Play Ball!" |
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Foul, Time, & Dead Ball Place both arms straight up in the air |
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Safe Both arms extended horizontally from the ground at your side See animated gif below |
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Out Right arm, hand clenched in a fist, See animated gif below |
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Safe Three shot sequence |
See the play |
Start the call |
Finish the call |
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Out Animation and sequence
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See the play |
Start the call |
Finish the call |
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Foul Ball Use this mechanic for a foul down the line |
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Foul Ball Catch Use this mechanic for a foul down the line. First point it foul, then call the out |
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Safe, Off the Bag
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Use this mechanic when a throw to the 1st baseman pulls him off the bag and the runner is safe |
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Appeals, Infield Fly, Time Play, and Meetings
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Appeals When you know an appeal is about to be made, communications with your partner(s) is essential to proper mechanics |
An appeal call is coming |
In this example the plate umpire knows he is responsible for the call and indicates to his partner(s) that he is making the call. |
The appeal call is "mine" |
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Check Swing When you appeal a checked swing always use your left hand so the signal is not interpreted as a strike call |
Bob, Did he go? |
Talk between innings Avoid meeting often with your partner(s) but if you need to talk here's how to tell him |
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Infield Fly Runners on 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd and 3rd with less than 2 out. Tip of your finger touching the brim of your hat |
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Continued: When a ball is hit that you judge to be an infield fly, both umpires use this signal after the ball has reached its apex. |
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Time Play Runner on 2nd with 2 out. Watch the runner and the last out. Did he score before the out; score the run. If not; waive it off |
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Every one needs to be in sync in this situation. The base umpire(s) must know that the timing of the 3rd out is critical to determine the time the runner crosses the plate |
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Fan Interference Grasp your left wrist with your right hand |
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What's the count? Right hand at side, palm up, and fist open. Wiggle your fingers |
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Hand Signals for Rotation
The photographs on this page depict the mechanics for hand signals that are used in various game situations. For specific game responsibilities of the crew, refer to the 2, 3, or 4 man mechanics sections.
(Coming soon)
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Normal Rotation 2, 3, or 4 man crew. Less than two out, runner on first. Plate umpire signals he'll be moving. Arms out at sides, moving hands in a circular motion |
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Staying Home Depending on the situation and the crew size, there are situations which keep the plate umpire at home |
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Two man crew, runners at first and second, less than two outs. In this infield fly situation, the plate man signals his partner that the infield fly is on and that on a fly ball catch he's taking the call at third if the runner at second tags and goes. |
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