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METRO RICHMOND OFFICIATING SERVICE

 

Recommended Umpire-to-Umpire Signals

Show Number of Outs

 

After every batter, each umpire will indicate the number of outs by extending arm down the leg and showing number of outs (with fingers) against the pants. Keep fingers spread wide for two outs.

 

 

Request Number of Outs

 

Either step away from plate and tap ‘outside’ thigh with same fist, or ask, “Hey Bill, you got two out, right?”. Reply with either number of out on thigh, or say, “No, I’ve only got one out”.

 

 

Request the Count

 

Step away from the plate and tap top of head with fingers with elbow out. Reply with normal ball/strike signal.
 

 

Infield Fly Situation is On

 

Place right hand over left breast with either no or one finger extended. Reply with same.

 

 

Infield Fly Situation is Off

 

Slide right hand down left arm from elbow to wrist. Do it twice. Reply with same, only one swipe.

 

 

Timing Play is On

 

Place index and middle fingers of right hand on back of left wrist. Reply with same.

 

 

Timing Play of Off

 

Slide right hand down left arm from elbow to wrist. Do it twice. Reply with same, only one swipe.

 

 

I’m Staying Home

 

Plate umpire pats chest with both open hands, then points down with both index fingers. Base umpire replies with a nod (yes) of the head.

 

 

I’ve Got the Subsequent Throw

 

Plate Umpire extends thumb and pinky on one hand and use rocker motion two or three times. Base umpire replies with a nod (yes) of the head. Plate Umpire will take the play on the subsequent throw to 3rd base if the first throw goes to 1st base. Plate Umpire will make the call on the subsequent throw to 1st base if the first throw goes to 3rd base. NOTE: Base Umpire always has the subsequent throw if that throw goes to 2nd base.

 

 

I’ve Got Third Base on the Force Play

 

Plate Umpire pats chest with both open hands, then points to third base with left arm extended and open hand with thumb tucked. Base umpire replies with a nod (yes) of the head.

 

 

Dropped Third Strike

 

Base Umpire will point down with right arm extended at a 45° angle with OPEN PALM (thumb inside) when the catcher does not catch a 3rd strike cleanly for an out. If the catch is made, the Base Umpire will signal OUT with the normal right-hand hammer.

 

Good call!

 

Knock fists together twice, one on top the other. No reply necessary.

 

 

We Need to Talk!

 

When an immediate conference with your partner is necessary, cross both arms in front of your chest and make the sign of an ‘X’. Call ‘Time’ and proceed towards your partner.

When you want to talk to your partner after the inning, give the ‘Good Call’ signal followed by the ‘We Need to Talk’ signal.

 

 

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