Umpires

The umpire's signals are what PA announcers look for when certain announcements have to be made. We cannot legitimately announce a pinch hitter, pinch runner, new pitcher or defensive changes until the home plate umpire signals that the new player is in in the game. Sometimes PA announcers get anxious and announce a pinch hitter before the umpire's signal; when this happens the umpire becomes noticeably upset and will often times gesture to the PA announcer his displeasure. Also, in my opinion, some umpires' signals are far more understandable than others. It makes the PA announcer's position much more tenable when the umpire clearly points to the new player then points to the PA booth.