Paul Emmel was using the same mechanic during the Cubs/Giants game today also.


Tim.

Why oh why do Rats have to be on the field? You have a perfectly good dugout so why are their fat a$$es up on the field? If they only knew how stupid they look!

I agree with not touching the catcher. I don't mind if an umpire uses his arm to gauge the distance but that's it. I think the last signal was obstruction?

Hmm,
 

Chris has been on these boards as long as I can remember. He has constantly improved as an umpire.

He did quite well at Evans this year.

I am not sure which is the most overrated issue in umpiring:

1) Taking off you mask with the left hand, or

2) An umpire that intentionally touches a catcher to confirm position.

Of course working the "Davis Lock Box" I can't even reach the catcher.

And, of course, because I do it to - - I am very happy to see Chris call "Ball Out" as I identify close pitches by location.

Regards,

I had another game yesterday at this level. Worked on getting lower and bending at the back a bit more. Things felt about the same- I may have gotten a bit better view of the low pitches. Of course by the end of the game I didn't have a clue what my strike zone was. The catchers were going inside, outside, up, down, forcing me to move into and then out of the slot.

Keep practicing being relaxed, even when getting set. It will help you carry through those long games. Unfortunately, working this level will not improve your zone. That only improves with quality pitching and quality catchers. How old are these kids anyway?

Also, I have seen Tim Tschida hammer to the side too, while pirouetting on his right leg, ala a flamingo.

It was apparently an illusion. At 2:12 it appeared to be your right hand. After zooming in it appears your right hand went up but was left hand that removed the mask.

14 and 15 I believe, but as you can probably tell they are VERY weak for their age.

Regarding taking the mask off, should I pull it off using the straps behind, or should I grab it from the front and pull it off that way?

Grasp the mask at the bottom pad. Pivot the bottom of the mask away from you face. The top of the mask will still be at your forehead. Lift the mask straight up.

Keep the straps loose and above the bottom of the hat.

i can't play canada's video for some reason... did you take it off?


chris... i would also be slapping that catcher around for pulling pitches on you.