Black and Blue

[sunfudblu]

One thing this ape would like to add, something that a lot of you already know, is how timing/the pause is the key to calling balls and strikes behind the plate. Even though my forearm still hurts 3 days later I will not go back to the old way of squatting and the reason why is because when I squatted I came up WAY TOO SOON after the pitch and made the call. While in the locked stance I don't feel that need and therefore I can take my time when calling the pitch. Believe me, when the ball tickles the outside corner (or is a little low) I have just that much more time to make the decision on the call and that really has made all the difference.

I am not the most knowledgable umpire nor are my mechanics the best in the world but I have been complimented many times over from coaches, players and fans, about the consistency of my calls, which happens to be noticed umteen more times during the game than anything else.......except maybe my stance. haha!