Bill Hohn: Worst MLB umpire or merely the most glaring?

[jwwashburn]

Originally Posted by mbyron

OK, first: you must learn to distinguish MiLB from MLB. In MiLB the umpires toe the line and do exactly as they're told in order to advance. This includes using prescribed plate stances.

In MLB, the umpires can do as they like. The knee does make it more difficult to get out from behind the plate, but in the 4-umpire system that's less of an issue. And plate umpires do not need to "see over" catchers in any currently accepted stance: they're in the slot.

The best umpire I ever worked with in High School ball(he used to work NCAA, as well) was about 6'6" and used the knee because it was pretty darn difficult for him to get low enough AND hold that-he found the knee to work very well for him. I never once had a problem with my partner not being in the right spot.

Joe