Hand(s) on the catchers back
 

What do you fellow umpires think about putting your hand(s) on the catchers back when setting up behind the plate? Also, I would be interested in some feedback from former catchers who are now umpires. Thank you in advance

I think it's unnecessary, probably an annoyance to the catcher, whether he says so or not, and just basically kind of gay. I say this knowing several MLB umpires, and no doubt countless others in the lower ranks, have this habit.

On occation for late set-up catcher
 

sometimes when a catcher is setting up late, I'll ask him if I can place my hand on his back to follow him so I don't have to "guess" where he's going. By late in setting up I mean he is moving when the pitcher commits to the plate.
I never touch the catcher when the ball is on its way to the zone. Just my mechanic.

Many catchers I have coached complain about it. I would simply ask the umpire to not do it.

Former catcher, now umpire...I did not like it back then and I don't like it when I see it now.

Hehehe,
 

Another good thing about working the "Gerry Davis Plate System" is that I am not close enough to even touch the catcher if I wanted to . .

Regards,

So, on the late moving catcher, you place your hand on his back so that you can follow him?

I don't do it now that I use the GD, and didn't do it back when I work the Heel-Toe Slot.

Personally, I think it is inappropriate. How would you, especially if you are a youth player, like some stranger putting his hands on you while your trying to work ?

And don't even give me that crap that it helps an umpire track the catcher. As a batter I knew where the catcher was, I sure as heck don't need to use Braille as an umpire to track him.

Used to catch, I hated it. If you need to follow the catcher, use your eyes. If you use your hand maybe you are blind, just like that the coach suggested earlier in the game.

I used to catch, and hated it. I was ejected two years ago because, out of no where, I stood up and turned around and said something to the effect of, "Will you get your damn hand the hell off of my back?" It was worth it. Anyways, I dont do it and never will. I know that catchers dont like it and it doesnt really help the umpire.

Now & Then...
 

Sounds like I'm in the majority. I hated it when I caught, and wouldn't do it now. I remember having one umpire when I was in HS that wouldn't just put a hand on my back, but literally placed his forearm across my shoulders/upper back. I got so aggravated with it in one game that I purposely got tossed.

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.

This whole thread brings back memories of the Mike Matheny (sp? -- catcher for St. Louis) and Jerry Crawford "fiasco" during the 2003 season.

It's not something I would do.


In the words of the immortal Forrest Gump....


"That's all I have to say about that."


Tim.

Former catcher (retired 2 years) current umpire here. I absolutely hated it and noticed it was mainly the old guys who would do it. I never had the nerves to smart off like some of the other posters though. After an inning or so, I always forgot about it and it never affected how I caught....it just kind of got on my nerves. I would never do it as an umpire, I believe it's completely unnecessary.

Luke