Stupid question... strike zone

[SamG]

I've got some conflicting information and know you guys would have the answer.

I'm not an ump, just a softball parent.

Regarding the strike zone... I was under the impression (and I think this is how I read the rule) it's a 'box' directly above home plate, from the armpits/numbers to the knees of the batter.

This weekend, someone (who I would trust knowing this... former NAIA coach and current NCAA 'advisor') told me if the batter is forward or back in the box, the PU "mentally" moves the plate so it's even with the batter.

For example, let's say the batter is all the way back in the box (front foot even with the back corner of the plate). A ball crosses the front corner of the plate "knee high", but drops off and hits the back corner of the plate. That's still a 'strike', right? It's the batter's responsibility to position themselves, right?

Does it matter on rule set? I wouldn't think so, but maybe this person is thinking NCAA and my DD plays NSA.

Sorry for the stupid question, but inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks

[RKBUmp]

Strike zone is over the plate, does not matter where in the box the batter stands.

[varefump]

I heard from a respected source years ago that the calling of balls and strikes can be made easier by visualizing a window 2 feet by 2 feet on the plane above the front edge of home plate. The bottom edge of the window would be in line with the middle of the batter's front knee if it were positioned at the front edge of the plate. The inside edge of the window should be 2-1/2 inches off the 'black' of the plate.

A pitch would be a strick if the ball passes through that imaginary window.

College coaches have backed up that philosophy by saying to me that the pitch should be judged as the ball passes the front edge of the plate.

This would eliminate the concern of whether the ball touched any part of the area OVER home plate. Example: soft change-up crossing the front of the plate 'high' but falling into the zone at the back of the plate. Same would go for a rise, drop, or curve ball.

This technique does works for me and I have been using it for years.

I know I will hear some arguements on this, so bring 'em on.

[SamG]

Originally Posted by varefump

I know I will hear some arguements on this, so bring 'em on.

My first argument would be in the definition of 'strike zone'...

The strike zone is that space over any part of home plate that is between the batter's armpit and the top of the batter's knees when the natural batting stance is assumed. Any part of the ball passing through this strike zone is considered a strike.

Note 'any part of home plate'. So, IMO, it could be a 'ball' on the front edge of the plate, yet a 'strike' 17" (or less) later.

BTW, above definition is from 2011 NSA rulebook.

[HugoTafurst]

As you say you are a parent, not an umpire or even a coach, here's a word of advice..

There is they way things are supposed to be and the way they are.
Yes there is a defined strike zone (which FWIW, is different in NCAA than it is in NSA) but since it is judgement, it is going to be seen differently by different umpires.
Allthough that is not the way you are supposed to call it, I have observed calls being made that seem to be consistant with what your friend has told you. That doesn't make it right, it just makes it the way it is.

If you are asking to help your son or daughter, I wouldn't be worried about splitting hairs, rather I'd be suggesting to them to observe the strike zone and adjust accoridingly.

[SamG]

Hugo-

Thanks. I am by no means surprised that different PUs call differently. I just didn't know which was "correct".

Out of curiosity, what's the NCAA strike zone?