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Originally Posted by justmom
Have you ever called from behind the pitcher? I've never seen this (even in the youngest age groups), until last week. It was a fastpitch ASA rec league game between area small towns - 18U. The games are more relaxed than regular high school season, but they are generally competitive. I was really surprised to see the only umpire working behind the pitcher. Most of the spectators had never even heard of such a thing.
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Then "most spectators" haven't been around very long. In my youth, many a game were called from behind the pitcher, more often at the younger ages. There were multiple reasons, but I think the best was that the catchers couldn't stop a pitch if their life depended on in and no amount of protective gear, not even the balloon was going to properly protect the umpire.