Watching the SEC tournement - It looks like the plate umpire for Game #2 - John Magnusson - is using the GD system.

It's funny
 

I hear/see people switching to the GD all the time, but I still catch crap from spectators because I stand so far back off the plate. I hear comments until the game is over, then they realize how well it works.

Is all this really about the Gerry Davis stance or is it about some aspects that Gerry Davis teaches?

For example, I have moved the height of my view higher, but I would not call it the GD System that I use.

Just asking.

Peace

My definition of the GDS

Stand at least arm's length behind catcher.
Hands firmly on knees with elbows locked.
Nose on inside corner.

I have seen people using 2 of the 3 that I would not consider the GD.

Does it really matter?
 

I have watched several MLB's finest use a similiar stance which I have adopted and love.

Its very similiar to GD except that you don't put your hands on your knees and you don't lock your elbows.

But I think the main advantage is the fact that you are away from the F2, and you are high (above F2's head)

This makes a "lot" of difference.

I have called mine a double wide because my legs are spread (not shoulder width), but its easy to use and I have had no (I repeat no) problems with my knees or back which I had for years.

Thanks
David

After I got hit in the right arm the other night I could not lock my arms for a half inning or so (and my fingers tingled for two innings). So I just rested my hands against my legs, like I do in my normal stance and did everything else the same for an inning or so. I might have spread my legs a little wider. I was high, very high, compared to what I used to do with 9-10 year olds, ie the knee, but even this modified approach was a lot more comfortable.

[Edited by DG on May 28th, 2004 at 08:05 PM]

i have tried and do not like the stance too much risk of injury. i will not fault the man for having his style but for younger age groups where the catching is not that great using this stance could and will produce injury to yourself.

Saturday I couldn't use the GD due to umping for younger kids and the ball lobbing as much as slow pitch softball. I went back to my normal heel-toe slot tight on the catcher. I got hit 3 times that game, and have yet to be hit using a GD stance. I do feel like a sitting duck at times, but I have been able to move my head the few times a hard foul ball came at my face.