The Scissors

[David B]

Originally Posted by DG

I watched 6 games of a regional last weekend. Took a lot of mental notes.

The first 2 plate guys worked heel to toe, wore black masks and pads, and both were "pointers". They were very methodical (ie slow) to make the point. I began to wonder because I use doeskins, the hammer, and work GD.

The 3rd guy wore black mask and used the scissors and the point and was also methodical.

The 4th guy wore doeskins (finally), heel to toe, and the hammer and we was quick about it.

The 5th and 6th guys worked heel to toe, doeskins and pointed.

So we had 3 black mask and pads, 3 black mask with doeskins, 5 pointers, 1 scissors, 5 heel to toes, and 1 hammer and 5 pointers.

I also noticed they were all very diligent about keeping the batter in the box, and keeping loose equipment and players in the dugout. I mean no donut on the ground outside the dugout went unnoticed. This was clearly different from some regular season games I saw so I figured they had been schooled by NCAA.

All of them called time before dusting the plate with back to the pitcher. And none of them had any problem putting the ball back in play promptly. An earlier thread would suggest they were all Smitty's for doing so.

Good information though. I too have seen less and less of the scissors in our area, but it must still be used elsewhere.

Most of the guys I know that used it have changed because it is hard on the back and knees.

GLad to see them keeping things clean, that is one area that many good umpires are slack in.

Thanks
David