Setting the strike zone

[tcannizzo]

On another message board there was a thread about "when do you set the zone".

Seemed to be a concensus that when the pitcher begins her motion, PU drops to set position, and establishes high/low limits.

Question that was not addressed, and I certainly think I know what the right answer is, but wanted to put it before this forum: Batter who was showing swing when PU dropped into set position, now shows bunt. PU should adjust the high/low to the batter's bunting stance? Right?

[Dholloway1962]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

PU should adjust the high/low to the batter's bunting stance? Right?

The normal batting stance is what you should use. You don't adjust when the batter moves out of her normal stance. If she squares and squats downward that doesn't change the strike zone. IMO

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

On another message board there was a thread about "when do you set the zone".

Seemed to be a concensus that when the pitcher begins her motion, PU drops to set position, and establishes high/low limits.

Question that was not addressed, and I certainly think I know what the right answer is, but wanted to put it before this forum: Batter who was showing swing when PU dropped into set position, now shows bunt. PU should adjust the high/low to the batter's bunting stance? Right?

Wrong. The strike zone is established by the batter's natural stance. Doesn't matter if they crouch, stand on their toes, or sit down in the box.

[tcannizzo]

Normal batting stance...Natural batting stance...
What is your unit of measure?
How do you contrast Pete Rose versus Craig Counsel?
Neither of them are "normal" or "natural" but they each had their own strike zone...
Or is it the timing of when PU drops into the set position???

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

Normal batting stance...Natural batting stance...
What is your unit of measure?
How do you contrast Pete Rose versus Craig Counsel?
Neither of them are "normal" or "natural" but they each had their own strike zone...
Or is it the timing of when PU drops into the set position???

ASA specifies that the strike zone is judged when the batter is in their "natural stance," which, to me, means you would envision taking the same stance that most batters would take in the box. Feet are shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, slightly leaning forward. The set position should be achieved before the delivery of the pitch, and it should reflect the top of the batter's strike zone as closely as possible.

Naturally, there will be variation in the set position, as the judgment of the top of the strike zone may vary from umpire to umpire. The important thing is that each umpire is as consistent as possible with themselves in judging the strike zone of each batter. Realistically, the variance will only be a couple of inches, and if a batter or coach is going to fuss over an inch or two in an umpire's strike zone, they can take a flying leap off a tall cliff.

[tcannizzo]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

ASA specifies that the strike zone is judged when the batter is in their "natural stance," which, to me, means you would envision taking the same stance that most batters would take in the box. Feet are shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, slightly leaning forward.

So, ASA does not recognize a difference between a "bunt stance" and a "swing stance"?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

So, ASA does not recognize a difference between a "bunt stance" and a "swing stance"?

Take your line out of the water.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

So, ASA does not recognize a difference between a "bunt stance" and a "swing stance"?

By rule, they don't recognize a bunt stance, a swing stance, or a buffalo stance.

And suddenly, I'm hungry for wings.

[PtotheB]

I'll take a look at the batter when they are taking their practice swings. That gives me a pretty good guess as to what their natural stance is. I am working on not adjusting the zone when the batter dips in reaction to a border line high pitch. Mens FP they don't do it as much but some HS girls are pretty good at doing it. I think it all comes down to slowing myself down and getting my timing right behind the plate.

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

By rule, they don't recognize a bunt stance, a swing stance, or a buffalo stance.

And suddenly, I'm hungry for wings.

Had my wings, and a few breasts also....Just left Hooters after a three day
tournament. Winds 30MPH on Sat., temp in the mid 40's and Sunday started
in the 30's, but quickly warmed up in the low 60's.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by whiskers_ump

Had my wings, and a few breasts also....Just left Hooters after a three day
tournament. Winds 30MPH on Sat., temp in the mid 40's and Sunday started
in the 30's, but quickly warmed up in the low 60's.

But did you at least eat any chicken?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

By rule, they don't recognize a bunt stance, a swing stance, or a buffalo stance.

[NCASAUmp]

Glad someone got the reference.