Gerry Davis in Cards game

[smoump]

Watched GDavis last night and I use his stance, although it is modified. He is much closer to the catcher than I and his back is bent forward, whereas mine is a 90 degree with the ground (straight up). HUH

[LakeErieUmp]

SMO - Maybe GD doesn't do the GD correctly!

[Tim C]

Interesting observations that deserve a two part answer:

1) I watched the same game and noticed that at times he was obviously 3' back . . . other times he appeared closer. Don't know if that was an adjustment or a camera angle.

2) Neither Gerry Davis, Gary Darling or Doug Eddings "drop the seat" just before delivery. When I eliminated the "drop" I found that my back was no longer vertical. I like the elimination of the "drop".

Regards,

[smoump]

I do too, but my problem was I was getting the top of the shoulder hit. I have changed protectors, and think this will correct the problem. I love the view of this stance.

No, Gerry Davis obviously knows what he is doing. I sure wasn't comparing myself to him, just trying to be a better official!

[LakeErieUmp]

Actually, after some of the posters on the chest protectors commented on the perceived quality of GD gear since he doesnt' wear his protectors maybe GD DOESN'T use the GD stance!

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by LakeErieUmp

Actually, after some of the posters on the chest protectors commented on the perceived quality of GD gear since he doesnt' wear his protectors maybe GD DOESN'T use the GD stance!

Scott Ehret told me that Gerry wears his Davis-Wilson leg guards. He does wear a Power though, I believe.

[SanDiegoSteve]

I'm getting tired of the whole "GD" thing, frankly!

[Tim C]

SDS intoned:

"I'm getting tired of the whole "GD" thing, frankly!"

Steve, I am firmly in your camp.

THE "GDSS" is simply a stance. We do not spend much time speaking of the standard "heal-to-instep", the scissors or even the box but dwell on the Davis Stance.

While it is true that I am one of the major proponents of the system I too grow weary of the discussions.

Regards,

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by mrm21711

He does wear a Power though, I believe.

I guess I've never seen a Power. Anyone have a link? Thanks in advance.

[smoump]

discussion of the GD may become weary, but until everyone has tried it, there will always be people asking about it.

Personally I try to convince other officials to give it a try to see what they think. One of my partners, who just came back from a clinic, told me that they instructed him to move closer to the catcher and use the heel-to-toe. Sorry, I don't see myself ever leaving the "GD or whatever you want to call it" stance.

Tim, you helped me alot a couple of years ago when I first tried the stance. I was so hesitant to move back away from the catcher. Now, I am in another time zone. The view is great!!

Please stay patient with officials who want more info on this stance. If it would not have been for your encouragement, I'm sure my stance would be much different than it is today.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by smoump

One of my partners, who just came back from a clinic, told me that they instructed him to move closer to the catcher and use the heel-to-toe. Sorry, I don't see myself ever leaving the "GD or whatever you want to call it" stance.

I respect anyone's desire to use the GD system. I converted to it and used it enthusiastically for two season.

Then I went to the Desert Classic.

The instructors said, "Trust us and work with us."

I did. I worked heel-toe/heel-instep for a week. I followed their instructions to the letter about my head height, proper use of the eyes, distance, stance, ready sequence; and to my amazement, at the end of the camp, I was seeing pitches better than I ever had, in any stance, including the GD.

When I got home, I kept the new/old stance and haven't worked GD since.

I understand that some people, for physical reasons, feel that can't work heel/toe. I also understand that many people feel the GD stance gives them a superior view of the pitch. I'm not here to argue either of those cases; just that, as usual, one size does not fit all.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by tjones1

I guess I've never seen a Power. Anyone have a link? Thanks in advance.

Here ya go TJ:

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Tim C

SDS intoned:

"I'm getting tired of the whole "GD" thing, frankly!"

Steve, I am firmly in your camp.

THE "GDSS" is simply a stance. We do not spend much time speaking of the standard "heal-to-instep", the scissors or even the box but dwell on the Davis Stance.

While it is true that I am one of the major proponents of the system I too grow weary of the discussions.

Regards,

My post was totally tongue-in-cheek, using the initials "GD" to represent a common swear word, which is not appropriate, but hey, I'm not perfect.