Never Heard This One Before

[bob jenkins]

Sounds like the umpire was trying to apply a high-level-ball rule-of-thumb as an absolute in a low-level game.

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Sounds like the umpire was trying to apply a high-level-ball rule-of-thumb as an absolute in a low-level game.

How high-level-ball?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by AremRed

How high-level-ball?

the higher the level, the more emphasis is put on the catcher.

sure -- if it's right down the middle and boxed to the ground, it's still a strike.

But if F2 is inside and has to reach all the way to the corner and the ball tips off his glove, -- that's probably going to be a ball (even if it caught the corner) in NCAA and pro ball.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

But if F2 is inside and has to reach all the way to the corner and the ball tips off his glove, -- that's probably going to be a ball (even if it caught the corner) in NCAA and pro ball.

And some umpires won't call that a strike even if the catcher is able to catch it.

It's really a self-preservation kind of thing, if you believe in that, that has gained some acceptance. A pitch won't appear to be in the zone when the catcher can't catch it, or has to reach way over to do so. Many umpires will call it a ball, and will very likely not hear anything from the defense. If they call it a strike, they WILL hear it from the offense.

[Out]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

But if F2 is inside and has to reach all the way to the corner and the ball tips off his glove, -- that's probably going to be a ball (even if it caught the corner) in NCAA and pro ball.

but true. Calling the plate is so not de rigueur