Gripe #21340 for '07- Walking the line from 21 feet.

[WestMichBlue]

For years I have used the same technique used by defensive ball players. On the pitch shift your weight forward over the balls of the feet. If the ball is hit, your body is ready to take that first step.

If the ball is not hit, then the weight shift normally causes a small step anyway. Then you re-set and do it again. If it works for players that have to get off on the batted ball quickly, then why should umpires have to take a step? I suspect that most umpires are former players and it (weight shift) should be a natural action.

WMB

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

For years I have used the same technique used by defensive ball players. On the pitch shift your weight forward over the balls of the feet. If the ball is hit, your body is ready to take that first step.

If the ball is not hit, then the weight shift normally causes a small step anyway. Then you re-set and do it again. If it works for players that have to get off on the batted ball quickly, then why should umpires have to take a step? I suspect that most umpires are former players and it (weight shift) should be a natural action.

WMB

Problem is the defenders rarely cross the path of another defender in close proximaty and if they don't get to where they need to be to field the ball, they have a few others to back them up.

Umpires must get to a certain point and at times weave their way through the defenders and runners and usually only has one back up who often has their own issues.

However, I don't have a problem with the "ready" position as long as the umpire gets to where they need to be.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Problem is the defenders rarely cross the path of another defender in close proximaty and if they don't get to where they need to be to field the ball, they have a few others to back them up.

Umpires must get to a certain point and at times weave their way through the defenders and runners and usually only has one back up who often has their own issues.

However, I don't have a problem with the "ready" position as long as the umpire gets to where they need to be.

You dont need to "get" where you need on a pitch in A. You can start there. You may need to get somewhere from your ideal starting position.. but you do just as well ready in A than bee bopping around to find your spot prepitch.

I really dont get this one. This is a feel good "ohh we cant think of anything else so we are gonna dream this up", it has no reality or necessity or benefit.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

You dont need to "get" where you need on a pitch in A. You can start there. You may need to get somewhere from your ideal starting position.. but you do just as well ready in A than bee bopping around to find your spot prepitch.

I really dont get this one. This is a feel good "ohh we cant think of anything else so we are gonna dream this up", it has no reality or necessity or benefit.

You know, this is nothing new. "Walking the line" was a standard mechanic for years. The only reason there was a move away from it was due to the technology of the bats and apparently, some umpires are not as agile on one foot as in a ready position.

And, you are right. If you are "beebopping around" to find your "prepitch" spot, you don't get it.

"Walking the line" is nothing more than one step, maybe two (depending on the umpire's preference) as the pitch is released. The umpire still begins the pitch the same distance at the previously suggested starting position.

Yes, there are umpires that will start waaaay back and walk a marathon prior to the pitch. That is not what is being suggested here.

[wadeintothem]

Oh I know its not new.. its just gripe #21340 due to the fact that the ASA is having to adjust an absurd useless mechanic to try to mitigate the useless absurd mechanics effects.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

For years I have used the same technique used by defensive ball players. On the pitch shift your weight forward over the balls of the feet. If the ball is hit, your body is ready to take that first step.

If the ball is not hit, then the weight shift normally causes a small step anyway. Then you re-set and do it again. If it works for players that have to get off on the batted ball quickly, then why should umpires have to take a step? I suspect that most umpires are former players and it (weight shift) should be a natural action.

WMB

ditto -