Framing pitches

[Jay R]

Before starting to umpire, I also read a lot about watching the ball into the glove and not being in a hurry to make the call. That was probably the best advice I could have gotten. An 80 MPH slider on the corner is difficult to call when you are a rookie umpire (Yes, iI was given games at that level), but with good mechanics and timing it will be easier to get it right.

As far as framing is concerned. A good catcher will benefit by framing the pitches and a poor catcher will hurt his pitcher. A borderline pitch at the knees will probably be a ball if the catcher turns his mitt over. He makes the pitch appear to be lower than it is. A well framed pitch wil probably get the call.

The other night I called a HS that was not great calibre. I was giving both pitchers a few inches on the outside. One team changed their catcher midway through the game. First pitch was 2-3 inches off the plate on the outside. The catcher jerks the glove back towards the plate. I discreetly said to him that I had been giving both pitchers that pitch all night. I said if you do that and I call it strike, your making me look bad. He got the message.

Jay