Quote:
Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
What mechanic do you use to fit in with the catcher who wants to set up directly behind the inside edge of the plate and the batter who wants to hang his elbows and hands out over the plate?
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The standard response for slot umpires who get caught out like this is to move BACK and UP, but stay in the same position on the inside edge of the plate. Sometimes it works fine. Sometimes it takes away as much as it gives back.
I recommend the following:
- Explain nicely to the catcher that if he sets up like that he's taking the inside edge away from his pitcher.
- If he still wants to be there, and you are still blocked out, try moving BACK and UP to get back as much as you can get
- Don't be afraid to call "Ball" if you didn't actually see a pitch pass through the zone, regardless of where you think it might have been. You can only call what you see, not what you think it might have been.
- If the pitcher questions your calls in his own inimitable fashion, apologise for not being able to call more strikes and point out that you can only call what you can see.
- Finally, keep your floppy thing off've the catcher, at ANY cost!
Correct head height for the slot position is generally considered to be with the bottom of your mask, not including any extra appendage, level with the top of the catcher's head/helmet. That's supposed to give you the best shot at the outside edge of the plate. There are proven exceptions, but that's another story!
Hope this helps
Cheers