Framing pitches

[Ump20]

Originally posted by greymule
It undoubtedly works for others, but "seeing the pitch again in the mind's eye" does not work for me. I'm quite sure I am more accurate going with my first instinct.

Whenever I have tried delaying my decision, I have gotten into trouble. I suspect that the minds of some people (like me) re-create inaccurately on that "second" look.

I find it interesting to watch films from the 1950s and see how fast the MLB umps used to make all their calls, plate and bases. The right arm seemed to be going up while the ball was crossing the plate.

My fast decisions undoubtedly have their drawbacks, but I do believe they prevent catcher "framing" from having much influence.

I think waiting a half-second or so longer before calling the pitch was one of the greatest adjustments I made as an umpire. It was somewhere in my second year. I think it has little to do with whether or not you like "framing" and everything to do with making the right call. I also think it is key to verbalize ball calls as well as strikes. Jim/NYC