Quote:
Originally posted by Carl Childress
I know you like it.
I know no one has told you to stop.
I know you don't thnk it's a bad habit.
I know you don't believe umpires should be robots.
What I don't know is:
What does turning your head gain?
|
I can only speak for myself. But I gain my timing. It helps me slow down and take a second before I call a pitch. Now, this is not just because of the "head turning," but it is because of the way I have to get in position to turn my head.
Quote:
Originally posted by Carl Childress
For example, I track the ball from the pitcher's hand to the catcher's mitt. I gain something from that: I don't fall prey to tunnel vision; I don't lose the ball at the cutout and so judge it too soon.
After I call a strike, I continue looking straight ahead. I gain something from that: I keep the whole field in sight, and I'm ready to halt play if something untoward happens behind the field umpire (dog runs onto the field, a ball is loose, and so forth). I'm also alert to any shennaigans a pitcher or someone else wants to try.
I have been told to keep my eye "everlastingly on the ball." I can't do that if I turn my head when I call a strike.
|
That all sounds great and wonderful Carl. But the reality is that if it works for you, do it. I only turn my head personally for just a second. I do it when it is clear that nothing else is going to happen. I do it to help my timing and it works for me. I think it is really stupid (from a personal standpoint) to put your hands in a locked position when you are in your stance behind the plate, but I see umpires do it all the time. I know we see the Major League Umpires do this all the time, but they have guys that are making millions to not let balls get by them for any reason. For those that work lower level games, where having a good catcher is a rarity much of the time, I do not see this is as good thing to do. But do you see me telling folks that putting your arms right on your knees when calling the plate is stupid and unncessary? I have been hit in the arms and almost broke my arms on more than one occasion. I am sure umpires gain something in their mind by doing that, but I would like to avoid broken arms and I gain a piece of mind by doing something other than that. But that is a personal choice I have made and can live with.
Quote:
Originally posted by Carl Childress
I repeat:
Turning your head gains nothing.
Turning your head may lose something.
|
I guess God has spoken. But since you are not the one that I pray to, I will do what I feel is best when it comes to me. I have also never taught anyone to do it my way. I think umpires always have to find a style that works for them. And I do think their can be something you can lose if you do not do it properly. But that is with those that do not use the mechanic. But this is not different than advocating one stance over another. That is why you have umpires doing what works for them.
Peace