GD Variation

[LMan]

Hands behind your back makes you look like you are hiding.

[UMP25]

Hide your hands on the catcher's back, tickle him a bit, and have fun.

Uh, wait...wrong forum.

Never mind.

[SanDiegoSteve]

The behind the back "speed skater" stance does look pretty bad, but many of the Smits I work around have taken to it for LL Minors and other cases where the catchers absolutely cannot catch a baseball. They are tired of getting whacked on the arms and hands 4 or 5 times or more per game!

I personally don't care how many times I get hit, I'm not putting my hands behind my back. But what is wrong with doing what 50% or more MLB umpires do, and hide that slot arm, or even both arms, behind the thighs? Nothing, that's what! Head height consistency is overrated. I know where my strike zone is, and I set up the same every time without doing it "Gerry's way." You can either call balls and strikes, or you can't. I have a very popular and consistent strike zone, no matter if I use the scissors, the box, the heel/toe, or the GD.

When working with less than stellar catchers, it is prudent not to use a standard Gerry Davis lock-in, because you will get killed. The GD stance is great if your sitting behind a hoss that knows how to protect the umpire. Just lock in and relax. All you get is the occassional foul ball. But with little Johnny who the coach is trying out on you at catcher who couldn't catch a cold in a blizzard, working the GD can be hazardous to your health.

[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.

[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.

Most us wear the CP underneath a shirt. One cannot tuck the hand inside the CP. Only three options exits: 1) allow the left arm to fall in front of the body (ala the waiter), 2) allow the left arm to rest on or behind the knee (ala GD) , or 3) allow the left arm to sit in the small of the back (ala the speed skater).

I, personally, like choice #3 to prevent the inevitable after taking a few shots off the left hand. I enjoy the comfort of holding on to the indicator throughout the entire game.

[briancurtin]

i dont think he means to actually tuck it physically inside and under the CP...
id guess that hes saying to bring your arm, bent at the elbow, across your stomach just under the bottom of your CP.

also, #3 is probably the worst option. i hold my indicator for every second im on the field -- from just standing there, being in the GD stance, taking off my mask, etc.

[bbump82]

Originally Posted by SAump

Most us wear the CP underneath a shirt. One cannot tuck the hand inside the CP. Only three options exits: 1) allow the left arm to fall in front of the body (ala the waiter), 2) allow the left arm to rest on or behind the knee (ala GD) , or 3) allow the left arm to sit in the small of the back (ala the speed skater).

I, personally, like choice #3 to prevent the inevitable after taking a few shots off the left hand. I enjoy the comfort of holding on to the indicator throughout the entire game.

Yes, I was refering to the "Waiter". That was why I made the statement about escorting a lady to dinner. As BC was correct in his assumption.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by SAump

Most us wear the CP underneath a shirt. One cannot tuck the hand inside the CP. Only three options exits: 1) allow the left arm to fall in front of the body (ala the waiter), 2) allow the left arm to rest on or behind the knee (ala GD) , or 3) allow the left arm to sit in the small of the back (ala the speed skater).

I, personally, like choice #3 to prevent the inevitable after taking a few shots off the left hand. I enjoy the comfort of holding on to the indicator throughout the entire game.

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.

[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.

[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.