Quote:
Originally posted by BT_Blue
When I find that I get hit multiple times in a row it seems that I am to far back (as in almost 2 arm lengths or more) I also was working behind some less experienced (enter the words younger here) catchers at the time.
The worst hit I took on the arm was a tip that hit me right on the outside of the elbow. Bruised me up pretty good but as always that was just a freak thing.
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If you'd been just a bit farther back, you wouldn't have been hit on that play -- the ball would have had time to move farther to the outside.
Conversely, if you were closer, you still would have been hit -- but in a different spot.
Looking *only* at getting hit -- if you are closer to the catcher (and more "behind" him), he will block more of the balls that might hit you. If you are further back, the balls will disperse more, and fewer will hit you.
My theory: An umpire tries out a new stance in a "lesser" game. For a LL umpire, that might mean trying the stance in an 8-9 yr. old game, not the Major championship game. For someone who works HS and college, he might try the stance in a JV game, but wouldn't likley try something new in his first D-I game.
The pitching and catching is of lesser quality in these games, so the umpire gets hit more. The umpire, who is focused on evaluating the stance, gets hit more -- and blames the stance.