Quote:
Originally posted by mikebran
General GD questions, possibly repeated.
Of the persons who have adopted the GD plate stance, and are working it as taught and intended...
Do any of you work, "lower level" 90 foot baseball? Non shavers? I ask this because it appears to a layman observer that this system would be a "bit" more dangerous for persons behind lesser skilled 14-16 year old catchers, and "wilder" pitchers.
GD looks good to me, and I am considering making this an OPTION in my association training, for persons that either want to go that way, or may benefit from the advantages of GD. However, I am concerned about the question above?
IS GD a good option for NEW umpires, or should it be reserved for upper level guys doing upper level ball?
|
Yep, me.....
I use GD in ALL levels, including the [small # of] U12 games I do on 60'. I DO NOT get hit more @ "lower" levels, or indeed @ any level, than I did as a "scissors guy". I DO get hit [took a fast ball square on the cup in a HS Varsity contest last year].
IMHO, GD can be used by anyone - the rock-solid lock-in, the absolutely consistent "look" at each pitch, and the wider-angle view from farther back all would be helpful to the novice umpire. Biggest problem is exactly what you are asking about, however. MANY newbies [and a lot of old farts, as well] are so fixated on avoiding any possibility of getting drilled that they WANT to hide close behind the catcher as much as possible: GD makes 'em nervous as a cat in a room full of rockers.