Reynolds hit with warmup pitch
 

Did anyone see Jim Reynolds get hit by the warmup pitch yesterday? Do MLB umpires usually setup for warmups? One of the first things I learned about being behind the plate was don't turn your head and give up your protection?

Saw the clip, he took it on the mask.

It is becoming common to look at a few pitches during warm-ups. I usually wait until the second or third throw to make sure the pitcher can actually throw to the mitt.

And I tell the catcher I'm behind him; didn't once, the catcher decided not to reach and I took it off the inner thigh!

He bailed out and took it in the top of the dome.

Same here. I give the pitcher two throws, then I take two throws each from both sides. I let the catcher know I'm back there. After the second pitch from the second side, I tell the catcher he's got two more.

I only do this with the starters in the first inning. It's a way for me to observe their movements and for me to get ready for the game.

I learned Wed to tell the catcher I'm back there. He didnt block one and I took it on the thigh. First save by my new hexpad tights. Did'nt leave a mark.
It's like sticking your finger in the electric socket. You only do it once!

This is exactly how I was taught to do it. So I guess you do it exactly right.

You stuck your finger in an electrical socket??

My routine for every game is to stand just behind the 3b line, about 20 feet from the plate and watch the pitcher for 3 pitches. As the catcher is throwing the 4th pitch back I put my mask on, walk up to the catcher tell him 4 more and get behind him. I then take 2 pitches, signal 2 more to the pitcher, take 1 more and then come out from behind with brush in hand to watch the catcher take the last one from about 8 feet up the 3b line. If he don't know I am behind him for those three pitches it's going to be a long day because he is too dumb to catch. I generally only do it for the starting pitcher for home team.

Was watching the game. The ball missed the mask and hit him on the top of the head. The trainers worked on his head, under the cap, for several minutes. Reynolds finished the game. The announcers said on tonight's game that he is doing fine.
Not sure why Reynolds ducked his head, other than the obvious surprise of a ball coming toward his eyes.

All the years of training, and the experience gone in a flash.

I never take warm-up pitchers to "practice" watching pitches. The only reason I take warm up pitches is to pre-game with my catchers and talk to them to build a rapport. That is it. IMO, taking "practice" pitches is just wasting your time.