Plate Mechanics

[MichaelVA2000]

From the camera angle he looks to be too far back from the catcher. His feet are too close together and his heel/toe positioning is off. Torso lean could be better by not leaning forward as much and his head height could be lower by spreading out his stance. I cannot tell if he is in the slot but if his eyes are at the top of his zone in this picture, he's calling strikes at the chin and his left hand resting on his thigh is not the best location.

[bkbjones]

He needs a web belt to keep his shirt halfway nice looking.

Although it's hard to determine in 2D, looks like his wing is sticking out. He'll prolly keep it out there til he takes that foul straight back. Old umpire from the days of my youth used to stick his out -- and he used a balloon. Still broke his arm. His main complaint was that for six weeks, he had to drink one-handed.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

He needs a web belt to keep his shirt halfway nice looking.

Although it's hard to determine in 2D, looks like his wing is sticking out. He'll prolly keep it out there til he takes that foul straight back. Old umpire from the days of my youth used to stick his out -- and he used a balloon. Still broke his arm. His main complaint was that for six weeks, he had to drink one-handed.

Hopefully for his sake, he wasn't right-handed.

That's all I'll say about it.

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by MichaelVA2000

. I cannot tell if he is in the slot but if his eyes are at the top of his zone in this picture, he's calling strikes at the chin and his left hand resting on his thigh is not the best location.

I thought that too, but given the height of the batter, I'm not sure how he's going to get his eyes to the correct level unless he drops to his knees. It looks to me that he's (trying to be) in the slot. I'm guessing this is a 10U game?

[Andy]

Hey, SRW......Did you get a new camera or something??????

[Skahtboi]

Apparently, my work network has the images blocked on all these posts. I cannot see a thing besides text.

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Apparently, my work network has the images blocked on all these posts. I cannot see a thing besides text.

If you are in Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" at the top and check your pop-up blocker settings. That sometimes will take care of it.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

If you are in Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" at the top and check your pop-up blocker settings. That sometimes will take care of it.

My work site is not internet friendly, and yes, I teach for a living. But, needless to say, the pop-up blocker default is not an option for me.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Andy

Hey, SRW......Did you get a new camera or something??????

My thoughts, exactly. Everyone likes to play with a new toy

[SRW]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

My thoughts, exactly. Everyone likes to play with a new toy

Actually these were not taken by me. I found them from a photosite from the early Thanksgiving Tourney.

To me, it looks like he's going to the toity!

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

To me, it looks like he's going to the toity!

Good point. In fact, when teaching the squat needed to keep the back, neck and head straight, I use the phrase that one should visualize sitting on the toilet. When done correctly, it puts all the strain on the quads, and none on the back or neck muscles. It defeats then most common argument of those who won't get down to the top of the zone, that their back won't allow it.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

To me, it looks like he's going to the toity!

Only if he's got 'roids, cuz I know when mine bother me , I get a little knock-kneed just like this guy.

Here's another visual: sit down on the bucket, just like a coach who is real relaxed because he has the best effin umpire in the world back there callin balls and strikes.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SRW

Actually these were not taken by me. I found them from a photosite from the early Thanksgiving Tourney.

So, in spite of all the warnings by your fellow umpires, you went out looking for trouble.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So, in spite of all the warnings by your fellow umpires, you went out looking for trouble.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

Yeah, yeah, I know, I know...