I read a post from another board about a year ago that defined a umpire's zone. I'd never really thought about it, but it is pretty much this way.
He/She (I don't remember ) said :
The plate is 17 inches wide.
The black is 1 in wide. Both sides
The ball is 4 in. in diameter, so a ball on either side is another 8 in.
For a total of 27 inches wide strike zone
And most folks think it's only 17 inces wide.
I agree with the other folks who say the pitcher has to adjust to the umpire. Whatever he calls is what it is for that game. As long as he/she is consistent for both sides, they are carrying out their responsibilities and providing no advantage to either side. The sign of good, experienced players is to poke, probe and stretch until they find the limits to the umpire's game.
Rick
[Edited by TexBlue on Sep 16th, 2003 at 11:10 PM]
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