Plate Mechanics

[Skahtboi]

Originally posted by Just Curious
Positioning one's self behind F2 and in the slot between F2 and the batter and switching side to side to accomodate LF & RH batters..... Is this a regulation mechanic??
Is there an advantage gained by making the switch? Could one always call balls/strikes from one side of F2 regardless of a RH/LH batter??? TIA

Yes, this is common and regular mechanic. It enables the umpire to see the entire strike zone, plus allows them to see any HBP, no matter how weak, and to see the bat as it enters the zone, not to mention the batter being hit immediately by their own batted ball. For this reason, I would recommend working the slot solely as opposed to trying to effectively umpire from one side of the catcher alone.