UNC - ASU Plate Umpire

[johnSandlin]

This umpire is a personal friend of mine and he does from game to game switch up between the scissors and the box. He is still sharp as a tack as an umpire.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by johnSandlin

This umpire is a personal friend of mine and he does from game to game switch up between the scissors and the box. He is still sharp as a tack as an umpire.

Thank you for explaining. I only saw one pitch that was even questionable, which was a fastball that I thought was just a little low, but he does look sharp.

[Klokard]

Working some Indy pro and D1, I have on occassion seen an ump do this. It is usually when he gets blocked out on the inside pitch and has to go over the catcher. Other than that, you would have to ask the ump why. I use GD at all times.

[kcg NC2Ablu]

Originally Posted by Klokard

Working some Indy pro and D1, I have on occassion seen an ump do this. It is usually when he gets blocked out on the inside pitch and has to go over the catcher. Other than that, you would have to ask the ump why. I use GD at all times.

This is what it looks like he is doing. I also use the GD at all times. Why use a stance you have to switch from right ?

[dash_riprock]

Chiropractors love the scissors - it puts their kids through college.

[Kevin Finnerty]

GD stance, and I just wear Wilson Gold shins. The Golds take a tremendous shot and they cover everywhere you need them. They even have those extra caps above the knee to hide your hands. With the GD, the only exposed area that really bothers me (in terms of injury potential) is the forearm and wrist area.

It's worth it to be almost effortlessly locked in on every pitch, and to be able to get locked in early without too much strain.

The scissors is unthinkable.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

With the GD, the only exposed area that really bothers me (in terms of injury potential) is the forearm and wrist area.

I take shots mostly on the forearms, wrists and elbows (rarely does it hit the gear), which is why I like the scissors better, because if done properly, it minimizes exposure of these vulnerable areas. In the box or GD stance or any other squating position, these areas are exposed big time.

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

It's worth it to be almost effortlessly locked in on every pitch, and to be able to get locked in early without too much strain.

Uh, the scissors or taint lock you in just fine, and is, at least to me, much more relaxing and effortless than any other stance.

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

The scissors is unthinkable.

I started using the scissors my 4th year (1990) and continued until 2004, when I briefly tried the GD (big disappointment to me) and the heel/toe or box (not sure what the hell the difference is there). Neither stance worked for me. I got nailed constantly. The scissors suit my style and I look and feel sharper, and much more confident behind the plate. The scissors allow you an unprecidented view of the plate and strike zone, despite what its detractors say, and the outside corner is very clearly visible.

As far as chiropractors, my back was shot long before I started umpiring, due to a horrific car crash in 1981, so any damage suffered in the scissors goes unnoticed, as I have completely degenerated discs from L-2 to S-1 and a permanent stiff neck.