Banter

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by tcblue13

Since I started the thread, let me explain what brought it to mind.
One of our senior Umps in clinic said that he never gives a strike to a pitcher when F2 turns the mitt and allows the ball to bring her hand around her right knee (outside pitch to RH batter). But, he will tell the catch that if she wants that pitch she should frame it by not letting the ball carry her hand around.

The same is true on the low pitch. If F2 turns the mitt over, it is a ball low but if F2 catches it with the mitt upright it will more likely be called a strike.

My thinking as soon as it was said, was "what about the strike zone?"
But this ump has done a ton of ball including state playoffs and NCAA and is very well respected.

I don't think the catcher matters except to give F1 the target. I have called a number of passed balls strikes.

The real trick with umpiring, especially with calling balls and strikes, is consistency. We all know this. Those are obviously his tools for being consistent. If they work, why question them?

I have heard others say similar things, even attended a clinic once where the clinician said that if you see the catcher turn her glove to catch the pitch, you should probably call that pitch a ball.