GD Variation

[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.