GD Variation

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

How about option #4, the one I suggested! As you go down into your stance, drop the arms behind the legs, and place your hands on the back of your thighs. This works well, allows consistent height, does not look Smittyish, is used widely in MLB, and best of all, it protects your hands, forearms, and wrists.

That is what I used to do, until I discovered the GD.

The GD, done as designed, gives much better consistency in every respect. And, I get hit in the hands/arms a lot LESS than I used to, trying to hide them.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by nickrego

That is what I used to do, until I discovered the GD.

The GD, done as designed, gives much better consistency in every respect. And, I get hit in the hands/arms a lot LESS than I used to, trying to hide them.

I agree that the GD is great, but only when sitting behind a catcher who can, like most HS varsity or JV catchers (or higher levels).

When you work with small children who can't catch the ball very often, especially pitches which are barely inside and would require them to move their gloves a couple inches, the GD stance will get you beat up. I know, because I tried taking it from the HS game back down to the kiddie ball game, and it just doesn't give me the confidence I need to relax and call the game. In the GD, I would get hit constantly in the forearm, wrists, and hands.

[SAump]

Originally Posted by nickrego

That is what I used to do, until I discovered the GD.

The GD, done as designed, gives much better consistency in every respect. And, I get hit in the hands/arms a lot LESS than I used to, trying to hide them.

There was an AMLU photo of a replacement crew showing up for work just a few months ago. Most of us should remember seeing the thread here. I believe that replacement PU, from the photo alone, knew what he was doing back there. If you continue to work the GD stance, then I agree that you should find those matching shiny black protective forearm guards too. Again, I don't see much of a point in wearing them after you have been injured.

[umpduck11]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Considering the other thread that is going on is more about the "point or no point", I thought I'd add a personal take on GD on a new thread.

I was taught the Box originally, but adopted it to something that ended up being GD when I finally found out what GD was. But instead of my hands on my knees, I put them behind my back. I hate the idea of getting foul tips to my fingers. Since I'm young, the fatigue factor doesn't really affect me.

Is this bad?

I use the GD stance/system, and rest my hands on my knees. Luckily,
I have never had a "foul tip" hit my hands.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by umpduck11

I use the GD stance/system, and rest my hands on my knees. Luckily,
I have never had a "foul tip" hit my hands.

I've never had a "foul tip" ever hit me at all in over 20 years of baseball. Anybody else never been hit by a "foul tip?"

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I agree that the GD is great, but only when sitting behind a catcher who can, like most HS varsity or JV catchers (or higher levels).

When you work with small children who can't catch the ball very often, especially pitches which are barely inside and would require them to move their gloves a couple inches, the GD stance will get you beat up. I know, because I tried taking it from the HS game back down to the kiddie ball game, and it just doesn't give me the confidence I need to relax and call the game. In the GD, I would get hit constantly in the forearm, wrists, and hands.

Now I agree !

If I were to go back to doing younger kids (and I probably will when know one else will have me), I would definitely work a knee, fold my arms into my waist, and lean way over to protect them.

The levels I think you get hurt the most with are Freshman HS, and 12 YRO on the 60' Diamond. Freshman catchers can't catch, and Freshman pitchers have no control. 12 YRO are way too powerful for a 60' diamond, and the catchers just can't react fast enough, no matter how hard they try.

And Steve, please don't take the [and I probably will when know one else will have me] as a negative comment to wards lower level umpires. I cut my teeth in LL, and I can attest to the fact that it isn't easy. Also, quality umpires are needed at that level, just as much as any other level.

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I've never had a "foul tip" ever hit me at all in over 20 years of baseball. Anybody else never been hit by a "foul tip?"

Yeah, but that was when I was working with my head was too low.

I know better now.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by nickrego

Now I agree !

If I were to go back to doing younger kids (and I probably will when know one else will have me), I would definitely work a knee, fold my arms into my waist, and lean way over to protect them.

The levels I think you get hurt the most with are Freshman HS, and 12 YRO on the 60' Diamond. Freshman catchers can't catch, and Freshman pitchers have no control. 12 YRO are way too powerful for a 60' diamond, and the catchers just can't react fast enough, no matter how hard they try.

And Steve, please don't take the [and I probably will when know one else will have me] as a negative comment to wards lower level umpires. I cut my teeth in LL, and I can attest to the fact that it isn't easy. Also, quality umpires are needed at that level, just as much as any other level.

I am working the lower level by choice (maybe not a wise one), so I deserve all the pain I get I suppose. I did mostly HS Varsity, Legion, adult ball, etc. for many years, and hadn't really done much small ball in 18 years or so. I finally upgraded all my gear. I love my new Douglas leg guards, V-Sport protector, and my latest toy, the McDavid Hex-pad tights! Like the picture I posted in the Knee Brace thread, I really could use that chest protector with the catchers I've been subjected to lately.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by SAump

If you continue to work the GD stance, then I agree that you should find those matching shiny black protective forearm guards too.

ill just take the bruises here and there, and like it!

[UMP25]

Ah, masochism. Gotta love it!

Whip me. Whip me good!

[briancurtin]

i edited the period at the end of that sentence to have an exclaimation point, like it was meant to have

[Justme]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I've never had a "foul tip" ever hit me at all in over 20 years of baseball. Anybody else never been hit by a "foul tip?"

Nope, I've never been hit by a foul tip either.......

[Rcichon]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I've never had a "foul tip" ever hit me at all in over 20 years of baseball. Anybody else never been hit by a "foul tip?"

Nah me neither. A few foul balls but never a tip.


lol!


Can someone post a decent definition of the GD? Unfamiliar with it.

[SAump]

I'll leave it to others who definitely know more about the GD system to answer you on this thread.

I'll post the archive / index to this forum's page 1.

http://forum.officiating.com/archive/index.php/f-2.html

From there you can EDIT, FIND {GD topics} very quickly.

Or you can read just about anything of interest.

Have a great time.

[SAump]

Originally Posted by bbump82

Tussagee11, if you are worried about getting one of your hands busted, give this a try. We'll assume a right handed batter, take your left hand and tuck it in under your CP, like you would if you were escorting a lady to dinner. Take your right hand and place it right behind the top of your shin guard and lock this arm. This will give you the best of both worlds, flexibility for the exposed arm, and a good locking mechanism as well.

I have no room to tuck my left hand under my CP because my belly protrudes from beneath. I clearly disregarded those much healthier specimens who have plenty of room. I failed to consider how the other less-hungary half live.