Umpiring in baseball is no walk in the park. In particular, correctly calling a dropped third strike requires expertise and practice. You must be mentally quick to determine the appropriate action.
The Benefit of Good Timing
It is imperative to have good timing when calling the pitch to avoid any mistakes. This is accomplished by closely observing the ball from the instant it exits the pitcher’s hand until it settles in the catcher’s glove. You must track the baseball all the way to the mitt prior to determining your call. If your timing is to quick, umpires are unable to catch the dropped 3rd strike before punching the batter out. By employing this tactic effectively, distinguishing and identifying dropped third strikes becomes easier. The result is stopping the call of an out too early, and having to deal with the coaches comments after.
Being able to see a Tag After the Drop
Additionally, umpires must swiftly relocate themselves from behind the catcher and toward the direction of first base, in foul territory. This move offers a crystal-clear view of any tag attempts on the batter-runner.
Stay out of Trouble
By simply following these fundamental pointers, umpires can make a significant difference to the outcome of the match, guaranteeing that everyone leaves satisfied.
