More on the GD System

[GarthB]

Being positioned in the same place for every pitch makes more sense to me. But moving with the catcher was what I was taught, and I saw, and still see, the MLB guys doing.


I don't know where you were taught, but I don't believe any proschool, pro ump or serious clinician ever taught this. The only time one moves because of the catcher is if he takes the slot away. If he moves outside, you stay right where you are.

Do some MLB umpires move? Probably. Do physicians with 20 years experience still do everything the way they learned in med school? I haven't finished med school yet, nor am I an MLB umpire. My evaluator still expect me to do it right.

The GD stance, as I understand Carl's description, is partly based off the distance from the catcher. This seems to be a logical and essential element. I don't understand how one can make such a serious alteration in a "system" without affecting the "system".