how to use outside chest protector

[bossman72]

It's not too complicated. Just put your arms through the shoulder straps and "wear" it. Then, to hide your arms, slide your hands like you're putting your hands on your stomach, but hide them behind the protector instead.

You can't work the slot - you have to work over top of the catcher.

[ozzy6900]

Bossman is correct in his instructions.

You must be aware that you will not be able to call your normal zone, either! You will have a beautiful view of the plate, but you can forget the low strike because of your position. You will also need to raise the strike zone at least to the letters (if you really want to go "old time"). You better inform these teams about this because if they want "belt to knees", you can forget the raft!

What about a white shirt, black or dark blue bow tie, black or dark blue pants and black or dark blue plate coat?

And a beanie, too!

[JPaco54]

If I remember there is a strap attached to the inside which you use to pull up the protector to your neck as you squat a little over the catcher.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Bossman is correct in his instructions.

You must be aware that you will not be able to call your normal zone, either! You will have a beautiful view of the plate, but you can forget the low strike because of your position. You will also need to raise the strike zone at least to the letters (if you really want to go "old time"). You better inform these teams about this because if they want "belt to knees", you can forget the raft!

What about a white shirt, black or dark blue bow tie, black or dark blue pants and black or dark blue plate coat?

And a beanie, too!

I've thought about how one could work the slot with the raft well and if one were to stand about where one would with the Davis stance -- back a bit, in the slot, head higher, I think it could be done. Not that I'm interested....

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by bossman72

You can't work the slot - you have to work over top of the catcher.

Why not? I did when I started. It's how most youth umpires in this area are taught.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Why not? I did when I started. It's how most youth umpires in this area are taught.

And that is an incorrect mechanic!
Most youth umpires working the slot with the raft have horrible strike zones IMO, and I've seen plenty of them!

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

And that is an incorrect mechanic!
Most youth umpires working the slot with the raft have horrible strike zones IMO, and I've seen plenty of them!

What makes it an "incorrect mechanic?" Suppose MLB had "always" used the inside protector, then someone realized that the injuries could be reduced by using this new-fangled "raft." Do you think they'd *also* choose to work "over the top" or would they continue to work the slot?



The strike zones of those youth umpires with rafts is no different from that of similarly experienced / trained / interested umpires with inside protectors.

[Fittske]

This is the look you should go for....

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

What makes it an "incorrect mechanic?" Suppose MLB had "always" used the inside protector, then someone realized that the injuries could be reduced by using this new-fangled "raft." Do you think they'd *also* choose to work "over the top" or would they continue to work the slot?

Bob, please forgive me but are you trying for the "stupidest poster award"?
What if, What if? Here are the facts:

1. MLB used the raft years ago.
2. The taught and approved mechanic was to set up behind the catcher.
3. The inside protector allowed them to move to the slot.

When I started umpiring, I was trained by two retired MLB umpires who ran an amateur training camp here in the Northeast almost 30 years ago. This is exactly how they were trained in MLB in the old days.

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

The strike zones of those youth umpires with rafts is no different from that of similarly experienced / trained / interested umpires with inside protectors.

Sorry to say, but around here, youth umpires who try to use the slot while sporting a raft suck!

Originally Posted by LDUB

How is that incorrect? One can work the slot with any style of chest protector and end up with the same head position.

LDUB, see above! Are you even old enough to know what we are talking about?

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Arguing about this subject any further is just a waste of time so you guys are on your own.

Enjoy each other!

[FredFan7]

This is a film about Bill Kunkel's fight against cancer. However, it shows him in action and you can see how he uses the outside chest protector.

YouTube - Safe at Home

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

And that is an incorrect mechanic!
Most youth umpires working the slot with the raft have horrible strike zones IMO, and I've seen plenty of them!

How is that incorrect? One can work the slot with any style of chest protector and end up with the same head position.