Dumb pitcher/catcher question

As an umpire it bewilders me why the catcher always needs to go out to the pitcher once the runner reaches second. I understand the whole change the signs ritual that takes place but I'm curious why the catcher can't just tell the pitcher in the dugout, 'hey, we're going third sign this inning if a guy reaches second.' Are the signs really that complicated that the catcher has to go out there everytime? Not trying to be a smarta$$....just asking a honest and perhaps dumb question.

 

Lots of reasons, but mainly just to annoy umpires.

 

I know we always had a system set up if a runner got on 2nd before we even take the field. We could change which sign for every pitch, so some of us really aren't that dumb and some of us just really want to get on the umps nerves haha

 

Probably the correct answer, I will certainly have the catchers do it in the games he is working.

 

All the brilliant baseball minds on this board and "annoying the umpire" was the best answer I can get?

 

To be honest, I never noticed it. Now if he is trying to delay to give the bullpen pitcher more time I would understand, But just to go out there because a runner is on 2nd---makes little sense.

First, it's hard to believe they have to remind about the signs, second, it's hard to believe in HS that runners are sophisticated enough to steal signs. If I was the batter, I wouldn't trust the runner anyway.

I guess it's one of those things noticed by an umpire and not by someone just watching the games. I know as a coach, I don't recall that unless I was stalling for time. Maybe it's another overcoaching decision.

 

I would say it may well be habit/form. I mean, why do some coaches give signs between every pitch? You have a sign for 0-2 with nobody on? Why do some hitters step in the box on every pitch with back hand raised for time? All can be aggrevating, robotic - or too much TV.

However, in defense, a kid making sure it's "right" is probably best. Would you rather the catcher switch signs, not have pitcher on the same page, and you take an 82 FB in the chops when he was sitting on the break of a 72 CB? The next sound would be you yelling "TIME" and telling him to get his butt out to the mound!

 

A pet peeve of mine as well, and I could care less about the umps...it's just unprofessional, pitchers and catchers should have this all nailed down prior to gametime. Drives me nuts !!!

 

I'm all for going to the mound to buy some time. If you do it the right way, I will give you a little time. As an umpire, I see a lack of baseball etiquette in some isolated instances. Batter shouldn't need to hold up his hand. I try to tell the catcher's to give the common courtesy to the batter to get set. There are all kinds of quirky nuances that go on. Braves, you may be correct, I may just notice it more. It happens more than fans realize.

 

a long game

just another thing that contributes to baseball being a slow sport. I love the game, but it does tend to drag along.