Is the umpire actually saying "Strike!" or "Ball!"?

Note: This applies to baseball as well.

I’m watching the College World Series (softball) right now, and the umpires are in top form. Whenever they call a pitch, however, it doesn’t seem that they are saying “Strike” or “Ball”; rather, they seem to give a pained yell, i.e. “Yaaaaagghh!” or “Euuuuuuoooogh!”. Or, is this just me, and they’re actually articulately yelling “Strike” or “Ball”? Please note that I have only been to one ballgame in person, and I can’t recollect what the umpire did. Thanks for the help!

<tiny-hijack> is the SCWS always in Oklahoma City?

Yep, the field at the Softball Hall of Fame is used.

Generally, for strike one, they say something like “EEE-yah!”

For strike two, it’s “Tuuuuuuh!”

For strike three, it’s "“RRRrrrrowwwww!!!”

They’re silent on balls.

They’re not always silent. Some of the more showboating umpires in baseball will yell BAWWWWWL!

True, but there’s actually no requirement.

In Dave Pallone’s (former MLB umpire) book Behind the Mask he recounts his learning the profession in umpiring school.

While a fist held up is indicative of a strike there’s no sign for a ball and no requirement for any vocalization at all. All that stuff you hear is just tradition.

thanks Joe!

Not a problem… :slight_smile: … And, thanks to everyone else for such swift answers.

Every ump has his own style. Generally, though, a strike gets a loud call and a right-hand gesture, often toward the batter’s dugout (so the manager can see it.) A ball gets a quiet comment, “baw,” just loud enough for the catcher and batter. If there’s a gesture, it’s left-handed. If the batter is unhappy with the call, the ump often walks away, so he doesn’t have to throw the guy out for his grumbling.