I love the GD stance. As a matter of fact, I have used it for most of this season and haven't been hit anywhere that I haven't been hit before, or not any more frequently.

I see the plate well, and feel that I call a much better game. I learned long ago that the best stance is what you are most comfortable with and most efficient with. I am an old catcher and worrying about getting hit doesn't really play into my game plan when it comes to calling a game.

Also, I think some umpires get hit because they crowd the catcher. I know that I used to hate those umpires that were breathing down my neck. I've had catchers tell me this year that they like all the room that I give them. That's another plus of the GD stance.

Mark Carlson, that was the guys name in the Atlanta game last week. Thanks. Funny thing was in the game, he warned the pitcher for hitting a batter, the commentators called him everything under the sun. People just love critizing umpires.

Gerry Davis Stance
 

I gotta ask, has anyone using the GD stance been criticized for calling the low outside pitch? I am thinking of switching from the box to the GD after reading childress's articles, but I am worried that that low outside ball that always got called ON me by my umpires will start getting called BY me. How easy is it to see low balls?

I guess it don't matter much since I am told I call the low strikes anyway, but I was just wondering.

in my limited experience
 

switching to GD raised my zone 1-2 inches automatically.

And i needed it badly too.

thank you
 

I was hoping it would raise it and not lower it, but in Childress's article on working the plate, he stated that the low outside pitch was hard to see/judge from the slot position.

Thanks.

Any other opinions?

He's using the Gerry Davis stance, so your comment is not appropriate. The POINT is that going to the set position (hands on knees) prevents fatigue and brings him to about the same spot every time throughout the game.

A small suggestion: Drop your hands down to your knees. Hand bones to knees bones: The skeleton, not muscles, supports your weight. I tuck my thumbs into the top of my shin guards, a little trick recommended by Scott Ehret. He should know: He teaches the stance in the Gerry Davis clinics.

Thanks Mr. Childress. I do try to keep my hands somewhat tucked to use my kneww protector as much as I can. My biggest complaint is the uncomfortableness of holding my o****er in my hand while it is pressing into my leg.

Gosh, you still use a counter? (grin)

low outside corner
 

wobster wrote -- I gotta ask, has anyone using the GD stance been criticized for calling the low outside pitch? I am thinking of switching from the box to the GD after reading childress's articles, but I am worried that that low outside ball that always got called ON me by my umpires will start getting called BY me. How easy is it to see low balls?--


This stance has helped me become more consistent on the low and away pitch. I have had catchers comment about my consistency on that pitch, compared to other umpires. I feel like I rarely miss this pitch anymore. Before I started using the GD, my bottom outside corner was a crap shoot.

thanks
 

I am going to have to try it. I umpired a game this morning and it was probably the worst game I have called. My strike zone was alright, I think, just a few missed calls on the bags.

The reason I am going to switch is that I had 2 catchers today, both of whom were bigger kids and did not get down low. Add that they were moved pretty far forward and the mitt stretched out farther than that. Couldn't hardly see the plate.

Dana DeMuth is working the stance also.

Since starting to call games this year, I read Carl's article on the Gerry Davis stance and started out using it. I have called all but two games in that position and I must say, it definitely cuts down on any fatigue that you will feel in a more traditional stance.

I called a two games yesterday, about 5 hours worth of baseball behind the plate, and at the end of the day, my legs felt fine and my back was as good as good be expected (I have some slight lower back issues to begin with).

I called one game last week using the box stance and I felt it in my legs and back.

The GD stance really locks you in nicely and gives me the feeling that I am in the same position each time to call balls and strikes.

As far as the low outside pitch, I try to tell the catcher to try and catch it out in front and hold it versus letting it come into or across their body. I obviously track the ball fromt the pitchers hand, but using the catchers glove as a reference also helps. If he is framing the pitch nicely, it is much easier to call the strike.

another question
 

How is the GD stance suited for younger players. 1/4 pints around here are 9, 10, 11 and I do a lot of there games. With the GD you can't get as low to be "in" his strike zone. Has anyone had problems with this?

I really want to give this a try as soon as I get a game that doesn't count for anything. It is looking like saturday is that day.

Re: another question
 

My guess is that your equipment will be of use, but then the balls are't moving at high velocity.
With that low speed pitch, you may have to concentrate to resist that involuntary flinch.
mick