Angle/Distance

[DG]

In the heat of the moment I don't have any idea what the footage is. 18 feets sounds about right, but if it's 16 or 20, so what. As long as the angle is good and you are in good position and stationary any distance near 18 feet will be good.

During warmups I move into position on 6-8 throws by the infielders and get my range. After that I don't worry about distance.

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by DG

During warmups I move into position on 6-8 throws by the infielders and get my range. After that I don't worry about distance.

So, before the first pitch of the game, you're 'setting up' as if to make a call? This sounds a little strange to me. I was always instructed to position myself in short right field.

[orioles35]

Another thing to consider is the amount of time you have to move into position. I typically find a spot in "A" and stand in that exact spot all game, even marking it if necessary. That way a groundball to short, I have pretty much the same amount of time to get to the same spot (with exceptions of course). Consistency...just like the GD system when you've got the dish.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

So, before the first pitch of the game, you're 'setting up' as if to make a call? This sounds a little strange to me. I was always instructed to position myself in short right field.

I've seen a lot of good umpires practice taking plays at first before the first half-inning.

[DG]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

So, before the first pitch of the game, you're 'setting up' as if to make a call? This sounds a little strange to me. I was always instructed to position myself in short right field.

After the pregame, I jog down to the right field line, do some stretches, then take my position in A as F3 is warming up the infield. I move into position on each throw, focus on the bag and listen for the ball hit the mitt. Different angle for each fielder but about the same distance. About 2 times around the infield and the catcher will throw down and I move to the A and I'm ready. It's a warmup routine I do every game. The first throw I see coming to 1B is never the first play at 1B.

Between innings from then on I am in short right field.

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by DG

After the pregame, I jog down to the right field line, do some stretches, then take my position in A as F3 is warming up the infield. I move into position on each throw, focus on the bag and listen for the ball hit the mitt. Different angle for each fielder but about the same distance. About 2 times around the infield and the catcher will throw down and I move to the A and I'm ready. It's a warmup routine I do every game. The first throw I see coming to 1B is never the first play at 1B.

Between innings from then on I am in short right field.

This is all news to me. I have never seen or heard of warming up on the field. As for stretching, I do this in the parking lot or dressing room before taking the field.

Has anyone else heard of this or is my association that out of touch?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

This is all news to me. I have never seen or heard of warming up on the field. As for stretching, I do this in the parking lot or dressing room before taking the field.

Has anyone else heard of this or is my association that out of touch?

What does an association have to do with it? If you want to take some throws before the top of the first, DO IT.

[DG]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

This is all news to me. I have never seen or heard of warming up on the field. As for stretching, I do this in the parking lot or dressing room before taking the field.

Has anyone else heard of this or is my association that out of touch?

Damn blu, does your association tell you when you can scratch?

[ctblu40]

Originally Posted by DG

Damn blu, does your association tell you when you can scratch?

You misunderstood. There are about 120 umpires in my HS association and who-knows how many in my college group. I work about 150 games a season, and I have never seen or heard of an umpire practicing positioning during warm up throws.

As for stretching, we are told to do that before taking the field. What would happen if I decided to stretch on the field? I don't know, but I just do it in the lot/dressing room for the same reason I always put my right shoe on first... habit.

I guess I just find it curious.

[DG]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

You misunderstood. There are about 120 umpires in my HS association and who-knows how many in my college group. I work about 150 games a season, and I have never seen or heard of an umpire practicing positioning during warm up throws.

As for stretching, we are told to do that before taking the field. What would happen if I decided to stretch on the field? I don't know, but I just do it in the lot/dressing room for the same reason I always put my right shoe on first... habit.

I guess I just find it curious.

No one in any of the associations I work has ever told me how to warm up or where to stretch so I guess it is a regional thing . I know I am not the only one who stretches on the field or takes throws during warmups. No big deal though, do as you see fit, or are told to do.

What are you told to do as PU? Do you take a few pitches behind the plate before the game starts? I usually take warmup pitches 4-7 from behind the catcher.