First FP games

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Finally called my first real FP games tonight - all pitching rules in effect, can steal any base, d3k in effect, etc.

Didn't do too badly. Still need to develop some consistency on the outside corner, but did all right. Already recognize a few things I need to work on, but those will come with time. My partner paid me a generous compliment, "you came here and brought your A game." That really helps. I don't think I flinched even once, and I've got the bump on my hand to prove it.

And for the record, the Shock Doctor carbon flex cup works well. Very. Well.

Assuming the generally obvious (you are in the slot, same spot every batter), the only items left for a consistent outside corner are 1) GPA, meaning a good heel/toe putting you looking across the zone (your navel pointed to to the front opposite edge of the plate), 2) good judgement (I would think that is a given with your background in softball), and 3) repetitions.

You can fix #1, force #3; #2 is G-d given (or not).

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Assuming the generally obvious (you are in the slot, same spot every batter), the only items left for a consistent outside corner are 1) GPA, meaning a good heel/toe putting you looking across the zone (your navel pointed to to the front opposite edge of the plate), 2) good judgement (I would think that is a given with your background in softball), and 3) repetitions.

You can fix #1, force #3; #2 is G-d given (or not).

You get good judgment from Gerry Davis?

[argodad]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You get good judgment from Gerry Davis?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Assuming the generally obvious (you are in the slot, same spot every batter), the only items left for a consistent outside corner are 1) GPA, meaning a good heel/toe putting you looking across the zone (your navel pointed to to the front opposite edge of the plate), 2) good judgement (I would think that is a given with your background in softball), and 3) repetitions.

You can fix #1, force #3; #2 is G-d given (or not).

Yep, working the slot, right ear aligned with the inside edge of the plate, eyes at top of the zone, heel-toe with hips pointed at outside front corner of the plate. I'm tracking the pitch using my nose as the guide and not just eyeballing it.

It's repetitions that I need, just like slow pitch. Nothing more than an adjustment, and I'll make it.

[ronald]

Dave,

when you track, do you pick the ball up from where the pitcher releases it? I assume you do.

keep at it and way to go

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by ronald

Dave,

when you track, do you pick the ball up from where the pitcher releases it? I assume you do.

keep at it and way to go

As best I can, yes. I'll focus on that on Saturday morning (3 more games).

I'm really enjoying this. I'll always have a soft spot for slow pitch, but this is a good challenge for me. After 18 years of doing the same thing over and over again, it's exciting to have a new challenge in front of me. I'm getting almost "too comfortable" out there on the SP field.

[outathm]

Another little trick you can try is to get as close to the F2 as you feel comfortable. A lot of guys are 'guessing' outside because they are not actually 'seeing' outside.

At the end of the month I will be down your way for a tourney, you should come out, or maybe I will stop by on the way down if the schedule allows.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by outathm

Another little trick you can try is to get as close to the F2 as you feel comfortable. A lot of guys are 'guessing' outside because they are not actually 'seeing' outside.

At the end of the month I will be down your way for a tourney, you should come out, or maybe I will stop by on the way down if the schedule allows.

...but today IS the end of the month.

Oh, you mean October. Let me know where you'll be, and I'll make sure I come see you.

[outathm]

Will do, I also think I still have your Cell # and will call closer to the time. I know 2moro I am at a wedding (wife's weekend), after that it is all grey, LOL