Quote:
Originally posted by ozzy6900
Well, I must be doing something wrong here. I've been using the GD stance since the end of last season (2004). My hands are placed on my thighs just above the knees. I do not move them when I drop my butt. I set up about an arm's length (maybe a bit more) behind the catcher. So tell me, why am I not part of the "my hands are exposed, so they might get hit" crowd?
I've taken a couple of hits to the chest protector, but these are fewer than when I used the scissors stance. When in the GD stance, it seems that the FOUL BALLS don't find me as often as they used to. They either drop to the ground or scoot off to one side or another.
Please advise me as to how I need to change the GD stance so that I can get hit in the hands and other unprotected areas! I feel left out of these threads!
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I'm just saying it's a statistical point based on the geometric exposure area. Whether you ultimately get here or there is basically going to be a crapshoot, that's why I keep reiterating that it should not be deciding issue on whether to used the stance or not.
I have used various stances over the years and have NEVER been hit in the hand, under ANY condition.
What should I conclude - that I don't have hands???
Here's my point: The hand behind the catcher is pretty much impossible to hit, no matter which stance you use. Only the "slot hand" is in jeopardy. In the GD stance, there is no attempt to "hide" the hand since where you put your hands is an integral part of the stance. That's not the case whether other stances where the umpire has a range of choices of where to put his "slot hand".
I happen to use the box and I drape my "slot hand" in the hollow behind my knee. Some umpires who do not use the GD stance don't bother hiding their "slot hand" and, in those cases, they are just as likely to get hit in the hand than an umpire using the GD stance. But that risk is by choice.
I guess I'm having a little fun tweaking you GD stance devotees. As a group, you're kind of funny because you're like a bunch of Branch Davidians.
Relax, I think the GD is a
fine stance.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN