Umpiring Advanced Techniques Video

Plate Umpire:  Step out from behind the catcher and signal to a base umpire when you want to check the count on the batter

- Step out a bit from behind the catcher to make sure the pitcher waits.  Use a hand signal (“twirl fingers”) before the next pitch.  After the base umpire responds, it’s a good idea to loudly call out the count for all to hear.  Often times when you lose track of the count or want a confirmation in case of doubt; something preceded the last pitch that may have also caused others to be unsure as well.

-  If the base umpire is unsure, he should not respond (no return signal and a puzzled look).  In that case, you may want to call “Time” and check with the official scorekeeper.  You may also want to check with the scorekeeper if the base umpire signals a count different than your own.

- If there is ever any uncertainty, use the scorekeeper’s count.

Base Umpire:  Confirm the count you have using fingers to display balls and strikes

- The second video shows the hands against the shirt, fingers indicating one ball (left hand) and two strikes (right hand).  The third video includes a check of his indicator, if the base umpire uses one.

Back to:  Umpire Communications