Plate Stance

[MT 73]

The feet are at a 45 degree angle to the plate, with the toes facing either 1rst or 3rd depending upon which slot the umpire is in.
I was taught something similar at a baseball umpires clinic a few years back but was afraid that if squarely hit with a foul ball I would not be adequately protected by my gear.
Then again we were taught to square our torso to the pitcher when in this stance which is pretty much what these NCAA umpires were doing.
It looks as if you get a good view of the outside corner so I plan on revisiting this stance at my game tomorrow.