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.