plate mechanic

[waltjp]

On the few occasions where the catcher has told that coach that a pitch that was clearly outside of the zone was "right there" I've called time, come around to clean the plate and have told the catcher in a voice loud enough for the coach to hear, "You're not doing yourself, your pitcher or your coach any favors by telling him that THAT pitch was a strike. Understand?"

I've only had to do this twice and each time it was effective. Of course, we're talking youth games. The bigger guys know better.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Watching the Astros/Twins game right now, and noticing three things about HP umpire Jeff Kellogg:

1) he turns his head to indicate location in/out on borderline pitches, which is what I do also.

2) he tucks his slot hand behind his thigh, which is what I do also.

3) he puts his other hand on the back of the catcher, which I have never, ever, done.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Watching the Astros/Twins game right now, and noticing three things about HP umpire Jeff Kellogg:

1) he turns his head to indicate location in/out on borderline pitches, which is what I do also.

2) he tucks his slot hand behind his thigh, which is what I do also.

3) he puts his other hand on the back of the catcher, which I have never, ever, done.

And watching the Padres/Mariners game tonight, I noticed Greg Gibson putting his hands all over the catchers' backs, but other than that, his mechanics were spot on.

What's the deal with the hands on the catchers? I never understood the attraction. Is it to keep from losing balance? Does anybody out there do this? We heard from all the former catchers who seem pretty grossed out by it. Inquiring minds want to know!