GD Variation

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.