LLWS PU knocked over

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by yawetag

It seems the general idea is to follow the player, not the ball. We were all taught that.

What's your normal mechanic on a hit like this? I've seen three different "ideas" on this type of play (all assuming you're watching the catcher and not the ball):

1. Don't move until the catcher makes his move.
2. Move the same direction no matter what, leaving the catcher the ability to move straight back.
3. Move the opposite direction the ball was hit, thinking the catcher will move that way.

I've always gone with #1. I stand and see which way he decides to move. Once he's cleared what was my flank at TOP (I'm turning with him, so he'll never see my flank), I move to clear the area. Sometimes it's moving the same direction, but closer to fair territory, but others it's moving to the other side of the plate.

The argument for #2 that I've seen is that the catchers get used to the fact that you always move that direction.

#3 makes sense to a layman, but I can't see how a catcher (or the umpire on some) is going to always know which direction the ball was fouled off to.

What your mechanic here? Is this taught and in a book, or is it something you learn to do?

I was always taught to watch the catcher and move accordingly to get out of their way. Also I was taught to keep on your mask, because it is likely the catcher is going to throw his mask somewhere and you do not want to get hit directly in the face. Now having said that I cannot fault this umpire totally, but I think the fact he looked up he lost his perspective and fell. And I also think that he is not in the best shape which made the fall worse.

Now I have read some of these techniques in some books about umpiring, but I cannot tell you right now exactly where. I think in some books from NASO.

Peace

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Also I was taught to keep on your mask, because it is likely the catcher is going to throw his mask somewhere and you do not want to get hit directly in the face.

That I've never heard. It makes sense, but I don't know if I can train myself to do that.

[dash_riprock]

It looked like F2 shoved the umpire out of the way. I would have dumped his punk ***.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

It looked like F2 shoved the umpire out of the way. I would have dumped his punk ***.

Hopefully you're joking... If a player has to shove you out of the way to make a play, your a$$ is not in the right position and you deserve to get shoved. Get the heck out of the way!

[tayjaid]

I read the catcher and move accordingly. I always tell the catchers " If I get in your way, knock my *** down!" Havn't been knocked down! yet!

[bluezebra]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

It looked like F2 shoved the umpire out of the way. I would have dumped his punk ***.

No way. The catcher has every right to get to the ball. If that "ignorant donkey' (dumba**) of an excuse for a plate umpire doesn't know where to go, he deserved to be knocked on his ample butt. Besides, it looked to me that the catcher made slight contact, and the PU has poor balance.

Bob

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Also I was taught to keep on your mask, because it is likely the catcher is going to throw his mask somewhere and you do not want to get hit directly in the face.

Originally Posted by yawetag

That I've never heard. It makes sense, but I don't know if I can train myself to do that.

Excellent habit to get in to. My mask in on until the catcher discards his.

[dash_riprock]

My mask is off while I'm opening up the gate to get out of F2's way.

[johnnyg08]

Yep, definitely want to get in the habit of reading the catcher on this one and not the ball...the catcher will find the ball and he'll take you to where you need to be.

[chuckfan1]

Me thinketh he needeth to mixeth in a salad once in awhile.....

[johnnyg08]

I was surprised he stayed down that long. Heck of an athletic play by F2

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

I was surprised he stayed down that long. Heck of an athletic play by F2

Did you see his head rebound off of the ground?

Dash, I noticed the possible push too but I'd have a hard time ejecting the kid for that.

[TussAgee11]

Just open the gate. Make your pivot foot opposite of the way the ball went, and if you don't know which way that is, just plant your right foot and move your left back.

Studies have shown that a right handed person is much more likely to turn around to his left (and all catcher's are righties). So, if you don't know where the ball went, he probably doesn't know either. So he's going to turn around to the left.

If you know the ball went the other way, just open it the other way.

Not hard.

[kylejt]

Read the catchers shoulders, and open the gate in the same direction. If the catcher can't find the ball, place your mask over the top of your head in case your hat finds it. Never, ever look up at the ball, but if you're near the screen, listen for the ball hitting it. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE CATCHER.

Plus, if a 12 year old knocks you on your A@@ on national TV, consider a new hobby because your umpire friends will never, ever let you hear the end of it.

[LouDore]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Studies have shown that a right handed person is much more likely to turn around to his left (and all catcher's are righties).

except the one in this video...