Mask question

[Hemibee]

I know with more time behind the plate I will work this out but would like some input from the more experienced. My problem is missed low strikes due to the lower bar blocking my view. I've tried adjusting my stance and had a little improvement. Tried adjusting the harness but with my big head there isn't much room for this. As of right now I am using a hand-me down (single bar) Wilson, not sure of the model and will be looking for a new one in the next couple of weeks, so what do I need to look at?

[UmpTTS43]

Your mask probably needs to be adjusted. Look in the mirror with your mask on. Your eyes should be in the center of the viewing area.

Your stance head height may be too tall also. Your head height should be just above the catcher's head.

These two corrective measures usually do the trick.

[bobbybanaduck]

try looking through the bars, not at them. or, punch a hole in that thing. both of those seem to be very handy advice i've heard along the way.

[Klokard]

I may be pointing out the obvious but if your mask is a hand -me- down, are the 2 bars that comprise the viewing area parallel to each other or is one or both bent? This can dramatically reduce the viewing area. The single bar Wilson is an excellent mask.

[UmpTTS43]

Originally Posted by bobbybanaduck

try looking through the bars, not at them. or, punch a hole in that thing. both of those seem to be very handy advice i've heard along the way.

You are quite correct. I failed to mention those corrective measures as well.

[DG]

I may be stating the obvious also, but if you know you are missing low strikes how about not blaming it on the mask and just call 'em.

I have been told I call 'em low, and maybe I do if you are expecting strikes to be above the knee, which is not the rule, but nobody complains. Consistency is the key.

Lower your zone.

Originally Posted by DG

I may be stating the obvious also, but if you know you are missing low strikes how about not blaming it on the mask and just call 'em.

I have been told I call 'em low, and maybe I do if you are expecting strikes to be above the knee, which is not the rule, but nobody complains. Consistency is the key.

Lower your zone.

I will contend that you will have MUCH faster games by calling a higher zone! I have proved this time and time again with young umpires I mentor, and prove it to more experienced partners when we work multiple games together. Once I get them away from that "low" strike, and calling anything below the elbow, their games start going much faster, and they are more consistent.

But, call what you like.

The proper head height is your "chin" at the top of the catchers head by the way.

Being too low always has the same effect on the low zone as being too high. There is an optimal height you want to be in. Get too low, people seem to not call enough strikes down low. Get too high, people seem to call too many strikes down low. It is weird. Get your chin at the top of the catcher head and track the ball all the way to the glove. I am betting that you are NOT tracking the ball all the way to the glove, because people that do call excellent games, no matter what experience you have.

Stay focused and tune everything out once the pitcher starts his windup. Your only job at that point is to follow the ball to the glove then rule on it. (yes, I know there are other things to be aware of, but for a inexperienced umpire they just need to focus on the pitch and get that discipline down!)

A new harness is cheap. If you need a bigger one, get a bigger one and adjust the mask to fit properly. Come on, you are getting money to work these games, and you are an independent contractor. YOU provide your tools to work. INVEST! Crap, I have over $1k invested into uniforms and gear!