May 2006
Signals and Mechanics Questions
In the past few months questions have arisen concerning the proper signals, both verbal and visual, to use when giving the ball and strike count, when calling a strike and when calling a routine out. Questions have also been received regarding the proper mechanics to use when a runner is obstructed and they continue their advance, and in the Slow Pitch game when a pitch touches the ground before reaching home plate, or touches home plate, or strikes the batter. Following are explanations and clarifications for signals and mechanics that are approved for use in each situation.
The plate umpire shall relay the count periodically by giving the number of balls on the batter with the left hand and the number of strikes on the right hand. The count shall also be given verbally, always with the number of balls first. For example, when a batter has a count of no balls and two strikes, the proper mechanic is for the plate umpire to raise both arms above their head with a closed fist on the left hand to indicate “no balls” and with two consecutive fingers extended on the right hand indicating two strikes. At the same time the count is given verbally, “No balls, two strikes.” Relaying only a portion of the count is not acceptable. (Umpire Manual – pages 212 and 259 (Umpire Signal Chart))
Strike / Routine Out Signal
The approved and only acceptable strike and routine out signal in the ASA is to bring the right arm to a 90-degree or slightly greater angle, then move the forearm slightly forward like a hammer to add certainty to the call. Verbally call “strike” or “out.” The hammer is always given in the upright position.
When moving the forearm slightly forward like a hammer, the shoulders remain square to the pitcher and the elbow remains to the side of the head. (Umpire Manual – pages 210, 211, 232 and 259 (Umpire Signal Chart)).
Obstruction Mechanics
PLAY: B1 hits a line drive into the gap between center field and right field. B1 is obstructed by F3 as they round 1B. The umpire signals delayed dead ball and verbally declares “obstruction” loud enough for everyone around the play to hear. The umpire determines that B1 should be protected to 3B. When does the umpire drop the arm that signaled the delayed dead ball for obstruction?
MECHANIC: The umpire signaled the delayed dead ball and verbally declared the obstruction correctly. The delayed dead ball signal should be maintained only long enough to ensure the players and coaches near the play are aware of the obstruction. If the obstructed runner is put out while still protected, dead ball is declared and the runner awarded 3B. (Umpire Manual – pages 229, 230 and 258 (Umpire Signal Chart))
Slow Pitch Plate Mechanics
Following are the Slow Pitch plate mechanics that have been approved for use when a pitch touches the ground before reaching home plate, touches home plate, or strikes the batter.
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Ball: When the pitched ball touches the ground before reaching home plate, touches home plate, or strikes the batter: Verbally call “ball” while still in the set position, while assuming an upright position signal dead ball without a verbal signal.
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Swing and Miss: When the batter swings and misses, and the pitched ball touches the ground before reaching home plate, touches home plate, or strikes the batter: While assuming an upright position visually signal a “strike” without a verbal signal, followed by the dead ball signal without a verbal signal.
In each of the situations above, when stealing is permitted the base umpire should mirror the plate umpire’s dead ball signal. If runners continue their advance, a verbal dead ball signal is acceptable to assist in the stoppage of play.
Rule Book Correction
Rule 8, Section 2 D, EXCEPTION implies that the exception applies to all Slow Pitch play. The EXCEPTION applies to Slow Pitch play, but only when stealing is NOT permitted.
Courtesy Runner Situation
SITUATION: In the bottom of the third inning, B1, who is the catcher, leads off with a single. After reaching 1B the offensive coach requests time and reports CR1 for the catcher. B2 executes a sacrifice bunt moving CR1 to 2B. The offensive coach requests time again and reports to the plate umpire that S1 will substitute for B1, the catcher, and CR1 will return to the dugout. Is this legal?
RULING: Legal in all games that allow the use of a courtesy runner. A substitution may be made at any time during a dead ball. S1 will replace the catcher in the line-up. (Rule 4, Section 6; Rule 8, Section 9; Rule 8, Section 10 A 2; Rule 8, Section 10 F)
NOTE: To some this may seem like a way to circumvent a rule once the courtesy runner has been inserted into the game. However, by rule there is nothing that prevents a team from making a substitution during a dead ball. Also, keep in mind that by doing this a coach uses one of their substitutions and, therefore, really gains no advantage. The likelihood of this happening in a game is extremely rare.
Play Question
SITUATION: One out, R1 on 3B and R2 on 1B when B3 hits a fly ball to RF that is caught for the second out. R2 remains at 1B while R1 leaves 3B early and scores. The ball is returned to the pitcher who starts to pitch to B4 when the base umpire calls “No Pitch” and rules R2 out for leaving 1B before the pitch is released. This is the third out of the inning. The defensive team now appeals that R1 left 3B too soon on the fly ball that was hit by B3. Does the run count?
RULING: The run does NOT count on the “fourth out” appeal because a pitch has not been made, legal or illegal. (Rule 1 APPEAL PLAY; Rule 6, Section 10 FP; Rule 6, Section 10 MFP; Rule 6, Section 9 SP; Rule 8, Section 7 F; Rule 8, Section 7 R; Rule 8, Section 7 S; POE #1A, E and M)
NOTE: When R2 violated Rule 8, Section 7 S by failing to keep contact with 1B until the ball was released by the pitcher, the base umpire correctly ruled “No Pitch.” Rule 8, Section 7 I, EFFECT 1 a, requires an appeal be made before the next legal or illegal pitch. Since the base umpire declared a “No Pitch,” a legal or illegal pitch was not made. Additionally, being mindful of the intent of the rule, the offense violated the rules by leaving 3B before the fly ball was touched, and the offense again violated the rules by failing to keep contact with the base until the pitch was released. The offending team should not be permitted to gain from their violations of the playing rules at the expense of the offended team.
Rule Clarifications and Plays Index
