Texas - ASU game 3

[UmpJM]

Mike,

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

... Finally, I have worked the Gerry Davis stance for a number of years now and have been comfortable seeing that ball. The current NCAA standards prohibit it. They only want the slot or modified slot used by tournament crew. I hate having to change but even if I never get a chance to shine in Omaha, I suspect that it is good advice and will adapt. The crews I've watched so far are really incredible at the plate.

The guy working the plat in the NC - Vandy eliminiation game (Scott Erby) is using a Davis stance - with slot positioning.

Much like Gerry himself:



An article written by Scott Ehret on the Davis system in 2009 also talks about using slot positioning when using the Davis stance.

The Davis Stance

A lot of the guys in my association use the Davis stance because Gerry came and taught at an association clinic around 2004-2005 (before I had joined) and they all use slot alignment positioning.

I wonder if his thinking changed to slot vs. "over the catcher" after you learned it.

JM

[Publius]

All Gerry has to do is take his exposed hand off his knee and let it dangle so he doesn't end up with broken fingers on a foul ball, and he'll be using the stance and position I've used for more than twenty years.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Publius

All Gerry has to do is take his exposed hand off his knee and let it dangle so he doesn't end up with broken fingers on a foul ball, and he'll be using the stance and position I've used for more than twenty years.

Yes...as has been pointed out before, Gerry gave a name to a stance many umpires have used.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Publius

All Gerry has to do is take his exposed hand off his knee and let it dangle so he doesn't end up with broken fingers on a foul ball, and he'll be using the stance and position I've used for more than twenty years.

My thumb might be exposed a bit but fingers are not, and thumbe is a bit beside the shin guard, so it will take a direct to get me in the thumb. On the other hand, my pinky finger was broken about 8 years ago on an inside pitch with hand dangling, as you say, I since changed to GD.

I am sure Gerry will be in interested in your assessment

[Publius]

Hand bones are less likely to be broken if the hand is dangling than if it is not. That's not to say they won't ever be, as your experience shows, but the probability is diminished.

As long as your hands are correctly positioned as recommended on every single pitch, you're correct--the fingers aren't very exposed. I have never seen an umpire using the Davis system who has met that standard

I have been struck by foul balls or uncaught pitches in areas I never imagined I could be, so even proper positioning of the hands is no guarantee.

I'm quite sure Gerry does what works for him, and is not interested in my assessment. I couldn't care less.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

Mike,



The guy working the plat in the NC - Vandy eliminiation game (Scott Erby) is using a Davis stance - with slot positioning.

Much like Gerry himself:



An article written by Scott Ehret on the Davis system in 2009 also talks about using slot positioning when using the Davis stance.

The Davis Stance

A lot of the guys in my association use the Davis stance because Gerry came and taught at an association clinic around 2004-2005 (before I had joined) and they all use slot alignment positioning.

I wonder if his thinking changed to slot vs. "over the catcher" after you learned it.

JM

Could be. MLB umpires take things, adapt and find comfort in them. Erby looks like he did. I was taught it in 2002 and guys my size were shown the "over the catcher" mechanic. It's funny to think back to that. Tschida taught base work, largely at first and presented a small step call. By that I mean, line up in A and take just a small step or two only with an adjustment lean for angle for calls at first - some looking in, almost straight down the line! It looked strange, and was soon abandoned by most who took a few steps inside and locked in, the way most collegiate and professional umpires work it. Evolution.

The CWS guys look great this year.

[TussAgee11]

Over the catcher = over the hitting zone = concussions.

PBUC is now teaching every single umpire, no matter the size, to get as far into the slot as possible.

[MikeStrybel]

The scissors was prohibited too. Guys were extending there necks and then taking fouls into their masks, compressing the spine. After a couple guys had to have life saving, career ending surgeries, it is no longer allowed. Evolution in umpiring on display.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Over the catcher = over the hitting zone = concussions.

PBUC is now teaching every single umpire, no matter the size, to get as far into the slot as possible.

What do they teach the married umpires?

[TussAgee11]

Originally Posted by Matt

What do they teach the married umpires?

Set up over the plate. Concussions will help you forget your wife whining to you about being on the road 6 months.