This year I have been frequently asked by players and coaches what my strike zone is. Would I be justified in saying anything other than "by the book," which is what I always say?

"its in the book"

id just try and keep it simple

My Zone
 

I've told them "Let's get started and well all find out."
I have gotten mixed reactions this.

I try to keep 'em guessing!

I always come back and ask, "how's your pitching?" Hope it can hit my strike zone.

Or, "its where ever I say it is."

Generally in decent ball games, where the boy shave,(and don't take this personal), you don't get these types of questions.

I had a catcher ask me today where the pitcher's curve was missing. I said "which one?". He said he didn't know, coach said to ask. I said if you don't know which one, don't ask. Really good catcher, caught 2 games on a 95 degree day, the second one went 8, blocked everything, and I could tell he really enjoyed playing, he was always smiling and making positive comments, and we had conversation going throughout the game. I love catchers who play like he did. Both my sons were catchers.

Whatever the rulebook says it is.

I do not nit pick close pitches. I like to call strikes.

Peace

Hittable pitches.

Lapopez,


When asked by coaches prior to the game what my strike zone is, I reply, it is that area over the plate that a pitch enters and you don't hear me call "ball!"

Yes, I do call both balls and strikes. (I don't call swinging strikes)



Tim.
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As umpires, we are the only ones in the world expected to be perfect on our first day on the job, and improve from there!

I've thought about saying that I didn't know because it was my first game.

"You'll find out soon enough"

coach "Hey Blue, what's your strike zone?"

me "How about those Red Sox?"

coach "No really Blue, what's your strike zone?"

me "Mine is fine, how's your's?"

Sooner or later they get the idea.

What's your Strike Zone?
 

"Hey Blue! What's your Strike Zone?"

Any pitch that is not in the ball zone!

Why not be honest?

"It depends on the overall quality of the pitching and hitting, the score, the count, the outs, how far the game has progressed, my mood at the time of the pitch, and whether the pitch involves anyone who has been mouthing off."

I never answer that questions, why give a coach something he can use against you later. I watched a game when the PU provided a definition of "his zone." When a coach disagreed he hollered, "That wasn't a strike in the pre-game!"

After watching that conversation for 3 innings, I decided never give more information to a coach than required. Besides, we all read the same rule book.