Basic Stances Behind The Plate

The Box

The classic stance behind the plate. Positioned in the "slot" between the catcher and the hitter

ballbox.jpg
ballbox.jpg

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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

ballboxsideview.jpg
ballboxsideview.jpg

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The Scissors

In the slot and head above the catchers

ballsiscors.jpg
ballsiscors.jpg

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Side View:

ballsisorssideview.jpg
ballsisorssideview.jpg

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The Knee

Side View:

You've got to be tall to make the best of this stance

strike.jpg
strike.jpg

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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

Showingthecount.jpg
Showingthecount.jpg

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The Outs

Hands out to the side; make sure your not blocked by the batter or a standing catcher

oneout.jpg
oneout.jpg

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Play Ball

Putting the ball in play. Point to the pitcher and call "Play Ball!"

PlayBall.jpg
PlayBall.jpg

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Foul, Time, & Dead Ball

Place both arms straight up in the air

Twohandsfoul.jpg
Twohandsfoul.jpg

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Safe

Both arms extended horizontally from the ground at your side

See animated gif below

safe3.jpg
safe3.jpg

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Out

Right arm, hand clenched in a fist,

See animated gif below

out3.jpg
out3.jpg

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Safe

Three shot sequence

safe1.jpg
safe1.jpg

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See the play

safe2.jpg
safe2.jpg

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Start the call

safe3.jpg
safe3.jpg

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Finish the call

Out

Animation and sequence

outani.gif
outani.gif

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out1.jpg
out1.jpg

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See the play

out2.jpg
out2.jpg

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Start the call

out3.jpg
out3.jpg

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Finish the call

Foul Ball

Use this mechanic for a foul down the line

foulball.jpg
foulball.jpg

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Foul Ball Catch

Use this mechanic for a foul down the line. First point it foul, then call the out

Outcatch.jpg
Outcatch.jpg

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Safe, Off the Bag 

Use this mechanic when a throw to the 1st baseman pulls him off the bag and the runner is safe

safeoffthebagani.gif
safeoffthebagani.gif

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off1.jpg
off1.jpg

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off2.jpg
off2.jpg

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off3.jpg
off3.jpg

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off4.jpg
off4.jpg

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Appeals, Infield Fly, Time Play, and Meetings

Appeals

When you know an appeal is about to be made, communications with your partner(s) is essential to proper mechanics

appeal.jpg
appeal.jpg

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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.

Is mine.jpg
Ismine.jpg

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The appeal call is "mine"

Check Swing

When you appeal a checked swing always use your left hand so the signal is not interpreted as a strike call

didhego.jpg
didhego.jpg
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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

Talkbetweninnings.jpg
Talkbetweninnings.jpg

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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

infield fly.jpg
infieldfly.jpg

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Infieldflybases.jpg
Infieldflybases.jpg

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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.

Infield fly ball in air.jpg
Infieldflyballinair.jpg

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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

timeplay.jpg
timeplay.jpg

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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

Timeplaybases.jpg
Timeplaybases.jpg

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Fan Interference

Grasp your left wrist with your right hand

FanInterference.jpg
FanInterference.jpg

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What's the count?

Right hand at side, palm up, and fist open. Wiggle your fingers

Whatsthecount.jpg
Whatsthecount.jpg

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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)

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

rotation2.jpg
rotation2.jpg

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Staying Home

Depending on the situation and the crew size, there are situations which keep the plate umpire at home


Stayinghome.jpg

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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.

infield fly.jpg
infieldfly.jpg

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flyballcatch.jpg
flyballcatch.jpg

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Im.jpg
Im.jpg

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Goingtothird.jpg
Goingtothird.jpg

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