Kind of Close Here?
 

Try that in softball, and you'll lose your background check card...

That's not all you'll lose... :eek:

I'm not really liking where this thread is going.

I've already removed one post and there are a few others that are right up against the line.

I sincerely apolgize. I was inappropriate.

I wouldn't have to worry about that.

But where is Roy Firestone when you need him?

I was kinda hoping we could get into a discussion of MECHANICS relative to spacing between the umpire and the catcher. Please don't disappoint me too badly, please. :eek:

I think it's safe to say that this is quite a bit closer than umpires are typically instructed.

Hopefully there are no runners on base. This would be a textbook picture for potential umpire interference on a stolen base attempt.

How does he get out of the way when the catcher chases a foul ball straight back? And yes, what about that umpire interference on a steal? I would never feel comfortable being that close...

JJ

This is Phil Cuzzi, and he's been using this close-in stance for a while. Here's another one of him with Orioles catcher Matt Wieters (sorry for the large size).

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3584/5...158d6c0e_z.jpg

I'm sure Phil has no problem opening the gate and not interfering with a catcher's throw.

Personally, I would never get that close.

Not only closer, but lower as well.

I can't imagine ANY catcher wants the umpire's hands on him while he's trying to field a 90+ mph moving pitch.

So what would y'all do if you were this close and the catcher head-butted you or drove you to the ground as he turned to chase a WP or foul fly?

Ask myself why the hell I was so close!