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Originally posted by David B
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Originally posted by YoungRighty
I'm now a veteran of a whopping 20 games or so behind the dish. I have made a few adjustments and feel like for the most part I'm seeing the ball pretty well now. I have been told by experienced partners that I'm doing a decent job of keeping my head still and that I don't have any major problems with stance, etc. But I still feel like I'm struggling to be consistent with the low pitch.
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In helping young umpires call the low strike I stress take your time as Bob said and follow the ball all the way to the mitt with your eyes.
Also, its easier to call the low strike by moving the head a little higher and also to move into the slot a little more. That helps to follow the ball across the plate and to the mitt.
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David: At the January meeting of TASO, the subject of how to "call the low strike" arose during the mechanics session. The "professional" position was espoused by minor league umpire Jason Millsap.
Like me, he says the best way to gain consistency is to
move back from the catcher. If you ordinarily work 18 inches behind him, move to 36 (one full step). That allows you to see the ball in relation to the batter's knee without having to move your eyes up/down. You'll track the ball through the strike zone much better.
Of course, I use the Gerry Davis stance, so I work deeply anyway. On those one or two occasions when someone had the termerity to claim I missed a low pitch (grin), I moved back, stayed back, and everybody shut up.
David, check out the illustrated articles on the Gerry Davis stance at Officiating.com. Try it. You'll like it.
EVERY UMPIRE IN MY ASSOCIATION (over 100) who has tried the stance now uses it. I'd say that's 90% or so. I'll do a survey at our next meeting and report back.
[Edited by Carl Childress on Mar 29th, 2004 at 11:29 AM]