I'll be trying out the Gerry Davis stance this afternoon for the first time in game conditions (well, LL majors, about as close to game conditions as I get!)

Will report tomorrow.

POB

Gerry Davis stance
 

Guess the Gerry Davis stance killed pob14. He hasn't beeen heard from since the 5th of May.


Michael


[Edited by MichaelVA2000 on May 9th, 2004 at 10:24 AM]

Either he died, or he is setting up in the wrong spot and can't see the plate. The game might still be going with all the balls he is calling.

He might've taken shots to both his arms and can no longer type.

(Anyone who knows my history with the GD stance might find that a bit humorous.)

You definitely get hit more often... got the buises to prove it. But it sure makes for a better view of the game.

I switched to the GD mid-last year. Now I find I do get hit more but often where I have protection ie. mask, chest and shoulders, but never on the arms.

I've used it the last three weeks, and have been blasted on both arms. Switched to dropping my hands down behind my knees during delivery to see if this helps.

I think I'll back to working from a knee.

You're defeating the number one advantage of the GD stance; that is, your skeleton supports a set position rather than the standing set, which creates the fatigue.

Keep at it. Your successes will far outweigh a few smacks. Of course, I have a long-sleeve, loose-fitting UnderArmour, which masks the forearm guards I use. Someone said I was a wimp for using protection, so I tried a game without my mask and....

The shots I've been taking to my arms have been so painful (stopping the game for 5 minutes to get control back over my arm and let it stop shaking) that I've been considering protection for my forearm up to and including my elbow. Any suggestions, Papa C, on where I might buy such protection and which brand?

Jim:

I went to Wal-Mart and bought a pair of youth shin guards (less than $4.00). They cover from the wrist to near the elbow. More and more umpires around the world will switch to the Gerry Davis stance, so I expect some manufacturer to create a special piece of equipment. I'm sure you'll be able to get it at gerrydavis.com. (grin)

Either that, or umpires will decide to not work the stance.

I worked the GD stance and gave myself quite a bit of time to get used to it -- and I never did. I may try again now that my college schedule is complete and once the HS schedule is over.

I'm sure there are heel-to-toe umpires that feel the same way about the scissors and vice-versa. There is no one "perfect" position for a number of reasons.

I couldn't imagine wearing forearm protection, but then again I know that times change and I certainly wouldn't mock anyone for wearing any protective gear. An umpire that trusts his equipment will umpire better. Me, I just grab the catcher by his chest protector straps when necessary and convert him into a balloon protector.

Try the jicecone stance (JS).

Rest your elbows on your knees instead of your hands. You have the same stability, take less of a licking and can keep on ticking.

I haven't quite finished my video on it yet but, mabey but the turn of the decade.

Seriously, it has all the benifits of Mr d's stance, but you sit just a tad lower.

Works for me.

Gerry Davis Stance
 

what is it?

Re: Gerry Davis Stance
 

Go here http://childress.officiating.com/ and read the articles on Gerry Davis. Go here http://www.officialforum.com/thread/13389 to read an earlier thread.

[Edited by Carl Childress on May 10th, 2004 at 12:28 PM]

GD works for me
 

I started the GD this year after a year away from the game. I tried it for one reason, I didn't feel like I was getting a good lock in at delivery. I really like it and feel that the low and outside pitch is one of my most consistent calls now. However, I did take a shot in the cup when a AAAA Varsity catcher bailed on me and left me hanging...or should I say wimpering...

I tried the GD a couple times and it was ok, but I did not get hit in the arm. If I got hit in the arm more often than my current stance I would lose interest very fast.

I've tried it
 

and love the low fatigue aspect, but the stance is much harder metally than physically. To just stand there with nothing between you and the pitcher when a catch set-up outside is soo hard mentally. I got hit 4 times yeaterday, but two were foul tips (tough nuggies) and two were complete catchers errors, both the missed the ball completely, no tip, or swing on either and just missed catching it, took one on the shoulder and one on the shin, didn't feel a thing thanks to the equipment.

I like it and I'm getting better at the mental aspect each game. I certainly seethe zone much clearer and it help raise my zone which was low 1-2 inches which I desparately needed.

Re: I've tried it
 

That is not unique to the Davis stance. Any stance used in the slot will have that result.