Quote:
Originally posted by azbigdawg
The use of the mat is a satanic tool and leads to lazy umpires with poor mechanics and NO sense of how to truly work the plate.
|
Amen. I called my first two years long ago in a league that used the mat. I hated it then, and I hate it even worse now. I've had all sorts of bad habits to break this year.
It seems that most SP players still think the mat's supposed to be back there ... you wouldn't believe the myths ... well, on second thought, maybe you would.
I always make this statement part of the pregame: "I call balls & strikes by the ASA rule book -- it's where they cross the plate, not where they land. The height of the batter matters."
As long as I stay consistent, I don't have riots breaking out. Some heat, sure, per expectations as PU in any sport with balls & strikes
It's getting that "ILLEGAL" call out on a 13-foot arc in time to warn the batter that I have trouble with ....