Hand(s) on the catchers back

[BigUmp56]

I'll try it, Garth. Do you have any tips on how to avoid flinching when you have no confidence in the catchers ability? It's something I'm sure I'll need to work on to do this.


Tim.

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by TCump84

I attended the PBUC Evaluation course thise year and while we were there they told us that it would work to our benefit it we placed our hand on their back just until they moved so that you can make the neccesary adjustment so you dont hinder the catcher one way or the other. Just thought you guys might like to know what is being taught.

Not everything teachers teach, should be taught.

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by TCump84

When and if the catcher has to move back or up, you need to kind of move with him so that you, for one are not looking in the back of his head if he moves forward, and two, if he moves backwards, you can clear him if he has to move left or right. I only do it if the catcher moves alot before the pitch.

If you're not working the GD, your not supposed to be set before the catcher, is what I remember being taught.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

I'll try it, Garth. Do you have any tips on how to avoid flinching when you have no confidence in the catchers ability? It's something I'm sure I'll need to work on to do this.


Tim.

Like Garth, I don't care if F2 moves away.

As far as flinching, a long time ago, I had a friend throw rubber balls at me (my equipment on, of course). From that, he switched to regular baseballs and threw them easy. I just got used to seeing the ball coming at me.

Now, all I can tell you is that after 20+ years of getting whacked, nothing seems to phase me anymore. A ball heading at me at 90+ mph doesn't even raise a hair on my head. I just concentrate on the pitch and call it.

Then enjoy the "concern" of the crowd after I take a shot!

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Do you have any tips on how to avoid flinching when you have no confidence in the catchers ability? It's something I'm sure I'll need to work on to do this.

A wise old umpire gave me a tip... if you find yourself blinking or flintching, leave your mouth open just a little bit. I thought he was smokin' something... but it actually works for me... give it a try.

[BigUmp56]

Thanks for the tips. I don't think I'm going to have to re-invent the wheel here, but I do think it'll take some getting used to.


Tim.

[lawump]

I have all my class notes from the 1997 UDP (PBUC) class: and either "Sarge" or "Fitzy" did teach us that "if the catcher moves outside, you (umpire) move with him."

For what its worth.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by MRD

What do you fellow umpires think about putting your hand(s) on the catchers back when setting up behind the plate?

Sorry, too Brokeback for me.

[TussAgee11]

As a former catcher, I got used to pitches and foul tips and never flinched. As an umpire it was the same thing.

But now that I use GD, I seem to be flinching again. I don't know what it is, maybe since high school ended I've been dealing with less experienced catchers and its made me wary, and has nothing to do with GD.

I'll try the mouth open thing.

And there is nothing better than a concerned crowd. But nothing worse when nobody realizes it got you pretty good.

[Bainer]

We had a small faction of our locals that decided they were going to go with the 'hand-on-the-back' for a while last year. Majority of them worked the box, a few were heel-toe'ers.
Their balance was thrown off by this new 'lean' intoo the catcher, and at least half of them decided to stop doing it over concerns that at times-especially when clearing the catcher- they were 'pushing off'.
In addition to that, we heard word from some of the catchers that the umpires were setting up, putting their hands there, and staying put, even when the catcher moved or shifted- the catcher's were asking the rest of us "what's the point? it's not about distance, cause they don't move!"
Anyway, I think only one guy still does it, and he only sets up with it, then removes his hand- it sort of hovers there, but doesn't touch the catcher.
I wouldn't do it- I prefer a wide slot, and I'm sure at times would need an extended arm to even reach him!


Bainer.

[BBUMP99]

Actually, I was ejected after I complained about the umpire putting his hand on me. At times, he would actually hold on to my chest protector strap. I turned around and said something along the lines of "Will you get your f---ing hand off of my damn back?" Words were exchanged and I was tossed. I took off my chest protector and laid it on home plate. I walked away after sayin "Here, if you want to hang on to it so bad, I left it here for you." It was worth it. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I dont do it when I umpire.