Hand(s) on the catchers back

[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.