Calling strikes from a knee

[mcrowder]

I've found that when I use the knee for shaving players, I'm too low, or I'm stretching to be at the right place. But on the occasion that I'm working lower levels (i.e. shorter players) or I have an inordinately short older player, I like working the knee.

[LLPA13UmpDan]

for small batters...i sometimes will get on one knee. if i dont, I'll be squatting like that catcher.

[mattmets]

For smaller games (LL, Ripken, etc) I use the knee. Only problem is my knees get filthy and torn up easily. Occasionally I use it in Babe Ruth games....if you don't get lazy, it's not that bad getting up to be in position in a 2-man.

In regards to the shades behind the plate, I do it for any game that starts before 6 PM. I haven't had any problems other than wiping sweat off my brow. Plus, it allows me to look into the dugout if I hear anything funny without anyone knowing and responding.

[ctblu40]

I used the "one knee" stance when I first started out. As I moved up and started doing higher level games, I switched to the box stance. My reason was simply self preservation. Too many bruised thighs to continue the 1-knee.

As for glasses, I use them when needed. Sunny, clear sky days. One tip I would offer is, if you're wearing them and you need to discuss something with a manager, remove them for the conversation.

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

As for glasses, I use them when needed. Sunny, clear sky days. One tip I would offer is, if you're wearing them and you need to discuss something with a manager, remove them for the conversation.

Why ? They don't take them off to talk to us. And I don't see a problem with either person leaving sunglasses on. I do take my helmet off though.

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by nickrego

Why ? They don't take them off to talk to us. And I don't see a problem with either person leaving sunglasses on. I do take my helmet off though.

IMO, you should remove the glasses for 2 reasons:
1) Let the coach see your eyes so that he know's he has your undivided attention when he's talking to you.
2) Let the coach see your eyes when you're starting to get pi$$ed so that he can read your non-verbal communication.

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

IMO, you should remove the glasses for 2 reasons:
1) Let the coach see your eyes so that he know's he has your undivided attention when he's talking to you.
2) Let the coach see your eyes when you're starting to get pi$$ed so that he can read your non-verbal communication.

I wear prescription glasses and sunglasses. If I removed my sunglasses to talk to a coach, he'd read my non-verbal communication that he's blurry and indistinct. I suppose I should look for the appropriate occasion.

Coach: But the hands are part of the bat.
LL (removing sunglasses): Are you sure of that?

Even though both glasses have the same prescription, changing them gives me a moment of awkward vision (due to the different fit, I think), so I try to stay with the same pair for the whole game. Behind the plate, I tend to wear them less than I do in the field, but we have a couple of local fields were PU faces the setting sun.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by nickrego

Why ? They don't take them off to talk to us. And I don't see a problem with either person leaving sunglasses on. I do take my helmet off though.

ive always been told to take my sunglasses off when addressing coaches/players, especially at the plate conference.

[LLPA13UmpDan]

I never wear sunglasses. I hate them. Thats what a hat brim and a mask sunshield are for. They obstruct my view.

[BBUMP99]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

One tip I would offer is, if you're wearing them and you need to discuss something with a manager, remove them for the conversation.

Tony LaRussa does...every time he comes out, the glasses go off...just for the record...

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by mattmets

Plus, it allows me to look into the dugout if I hear anything funny without anyone knowing and responding.

What? They cant see you turning your head?

[mattmets]

Originally Posted by mrm21711

What? They cant see you turning your head?

Not if I cock my head like I'm looking past them into the stands, parking lot, etc.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by mattmets

Not if I cock my head like I'm looking past them into the stands, parking lot, etc.

[TussAgee11]

Unless its a beanie hat.

[lawump]

I did a High School summer league tournament last month, in which I had 4 games on one day...and three on the plate. (Don't ask!).

By game four (my last plate game), I was zonked. So I worked the knee. I'm still young enough ( ) that I was able to get up and out from behind the plate without a problem (for instance with the base umpire going out with no runners on base).

As for the strike zone: I have worked the scissors in every other game I've umpired for the last 5 years. To me, personally, the pitches did look quite a bit different than in the scissors. I found myself calling more high strikes.

It was a very, very long day for the teams (they were ready to go home, too), plus I have a very good reputation with both coaches, so my new higher strike zone caused no problems. They wanted strikes! In fact one of the coaches teased me the next week accusing me of thinking I was so good that I could now work the knee like a MLBer. I laughed and said that I was just too tired to keep standing for another 7 innings.