The five words you never want to hear when working the plate

[SWFLguy]

It seems at the lower/younger levels of play that the pitcher is someone who can't throw the ball and the catcher is someone who cannot catch. That combination makes for some pretty long/boring games and dings and bruises for the poor soul who is calling ball and strikes.
Worst case, a left-handed catcher. Makes the most solid plate ump cringe. I make it a habit these days to keep my hands behind my knees. I do not care how it looks, it keeps my arthritic fingers from getting worse.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

It seems at the lower/younger levels of play that the pitcher is someone who can't throw the ball and the catcher is someone who cannot catch. That combination makes for some pretty long/boring games and dings and bruises for the poor soul who is calling ball and strikes.
Worst case, a left-handed catcher. Makes the most solid plate ump cringe. I make it a habit these days to keep my hands behind my knees. I do not care how it looks, it keeps my arthritic fingers from getting worse.

Why would you think that looks bad?

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

It seems at the lower/younger levels of play that the pitcher is someone who can't throw the ball and the catcher is someone who cannot catch. That combination makes for some pretty long/boring games and dings and bruises for the poor soul who is calling ball and strikes.
Worst case, a left-handed catcher. Makes the most solid plate ump cringe. I make it a habit these days to keep my hands behind my knees. I do not care how it looks, it keeps my arthritic fingers from getting worse.

On the other hand, when you have a - what NY calls 'modified' game - middle school level, and half the kids on both sides have bags/helmets, etc from various travel teams they are on, they can be some of the fastest and easiest games you can work,

[qcumpire]

From the defensive coach to the catcher...."(catcher's name)...don't close your eyes."

[tcannizzo]

10-U Rec game tonight. I was BU.

Coach is warming up the pitcher between innings while catcher getting ready.
This pitcher was very good, throwing very hard.
As catcher was relieving the coach, I could swear I heard the coach say these five words "Think you can catch her?"