What is the signal for a strike in baseball?

The signal for a strike in baseball is indicated when the umpire raises one arm above their head and moves the arm sideways. This clear and standardized gesture is used to communicate to players, coaches, and spectators that a pitch has been deemed a strike by the umpire.

The upward motion followed by the sideways movement serves both to attract attention and to convey decisively the ruling made about the pitch. This signal is essential in maintaining clear communication during the game and ensures that everyone involved understands the count on the batter.

Other signals do not represent a strike; tapping the chest or pointing to the pitcher could be mistaken for different calls, such as signaling for time or indicating that the pitch was a ball. Waving both arms in front typically suggests a call for a time-out or an obstruction, not a strike. Thus, understanding the correct sign is crucial for recognizing the rules of play and the umpire's decisions during a game.