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They often ask me, 'Was that deep?'...I reply 'It was high'. I get a funny look, but after awhile they catch on. A ball close to 12' drops in a spot, then one close to 6' hits the same spot...the first one is a ball, the second is a strike...I catch a little grief, I explain again that the strike zone is not determined by where the ball drops as long as it goes over part of the plate and doesn't touch it. Unless of couorse I do one of those weird leagues that has the 'Strike Mat' (which I hate and so do most players), in which case all I have to do is make sure the height and speed are ok on the pitch and see if it hits the mat. Makes calling balls and strikes easy, but actually takes away part of the strike zone on the sides, but adds some if the pitcher throws a 11-12' pitch to the back of the mat - especially on some of the shorter batters....I am subtly suggesting that the players complain about using the mat and ask their leagues to let the umpire make the call.
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