strike

Question
When the ump is calling a strike, I never heard the word "strike." It sounds like "arghh" or "onk" or ... well I think you get my meaning. What word or words are they actually saying, and more importantly, why aren't they saying "strike?" Thanks.

Answer
David,

The umpire is saying 'strike.'  Or at least that's what they are supposed to be saying.  They are also supposed to say the call loudly so they develop a way to say strike loudly many times without losing their voice.  That's why it comes out not sounding much like strike anymore.

Hope this helps!

Brian