Standing on field with hands on hips?

[teebob21]

Evaluators: Time for a nit-picky between-innings mechanics question. Is it OK to stand with your hands on your hips between innings? (I know this is a fairly stupid question, but I'm curious to hear the wisdom of the masses on this innocuous detail.)

A partner of mine recently did this almost every inning. It was a fairly non-competitive game, and both teams and coaches were relaxed. He's got far more experience at high levels of play than I do, so it surprised me that he would do this, even at a game that "didn't matter".

One of the first mentors I ever had taught me early what to never ever do (arms folded, or hands in pockets). I find it impossible to stand with my arms at my side for any length of time, so I clasp my hands between innings or during breaks in play. On bases, parade-rest style behind me; on the plate, in front of me with mask under my elbow.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by teebob21

Evaluators: Time for a nit-picky between-innings mechanics question. Is it OK to stand with your hands on your hips between innings? (I know this is a fairly stupid question, but I'm curious to hear the wisdom of the masses on this innocuous detail.)

A partner of mine recently did this almost every inning. It was a fairly non-competitive game, and both teams and coaches were relaxed. He's got far more experience at high levels of play than I do, so it surprised me that he would do this, even at a game that "didn't matter".

One of the first mentors I ever had taught me early what to never ever do (arms folded, or hands in pockets). I find it impossible to stand with my arms at my side for any length of time, so I clasp my hands between innings or during breaks in play. On bases, parade-rest style behind me; on the plate, in front of me with mask under my elbow.

I would prefer the umpire not, but I think it depends on the entire body, not just where the hands are. If the posture is one which appears to be that the umpire just doesn't want to be there, yeah, that is something that should be addressed. Otherwise, I really don't care as a lot of people are like you who just cannot stand around without finding a place to put their hands. Many with a military background do as you and move to a parade rest set.

[Andy]

Teebob - what you describe is a BIG pet peeve of our state UIC. Body Language.

Standing with your hands on your hips can appear to look impatient and like you don't want to be there.

I've also been told that there are only two times during the course of game when people are looking at the umpires...when a call is made and between innings when there is nothing else to look at.

[teebob21]

Thanks Irish and Andy. That basically confirms what I already thought.

[PATRICK]

I was doing a 12U championship years ago and was standing at the plate waiting for the conference to begin (with my hangs on my hips) when this tiny little girl comes up to me and says, "What's that, your Super Friends pose?"

[SWFLguy]

Guess I'm old school to and still have a bit of the Army in me. Hands in pockets is a no-no. You'll seldom see me with my arms folded or hands on hips. I think it does indicate a certain detachment. Just one man's opinion.

[Jake26]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

... but I think it depends on the entire body, not just where the hands are. If the posture is one which appears to be that the umpire just doesn't want to be there, yeah, that is something that should be addressed.

I was dinged once for having my hands on my hips. It was a hot day - I was just trying to get as much body exposed to the wind as possible for the cooling effect. I thought at the time that standing equally-weighted on both feet (that is, not slouching) was far more important to my appearance than my hands being on my waist. But that is me. And I don't put my hands on my hips any longer.