[PeteBooth]

[i]Originally posted by davidn

Why do so many ump's enlarge the strike zone when the rule book dictates the length and width. Does this make you look better or you entering into the game. Is this why the coaches are looking for call for them?

First off let's define the term Open up the zone

It doesn't mean we are being rediculous. Most umpires (unless the game is a REAL blowout and there is No Mercy rule) will not jeopardize the "top" and "bottom" of the zone. What we do is expand the width of the plate - generally 3 inches on either side.

It used to be that umpires would give 3-4 inches on the outside but only 1-2 on the inside, however, with the advent of the metal bat that attitude has changed.

I do not know of anyone who likes a "postage" stamp zone. The game drags and it's not fun. Once the players come up to bat with the attitude "I better swing" moves the game along. Also these players might actually become hitters instead of spectators at the plate.

In addition, the defense doesn't fall a sleep, all of a sudden balls are hit to them and they are more alert.

The strike zone is cause for much debate and the real definition of the strike zone is:

That which is accepted for the level of play we are umpiring. For example our strike zone for modifyed HS ball is not the same as varsity.

IMO that's the way it's always been and that's the way it will always be. Even our Bretheran MLB umpires do not call the zone strictly by the book. The prooven pitcher's such as Schilling, The Big Unit, Mariano, Maddux, Glavin to name a few get that little extra.

Pete Booth