When working the dish, I will lightly touch the catchers back with the finger tip of my middle finger.
In a scrimmage yesterday (my first of 2012) my partner told me I should not do this. He said that evaluators don't like it.
Any and all thoughts, please.
100 replies to this topic
#2
grayhawk
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 04:48 PM
Touching players, in general, isn't a good idea, and catchers hate it when umpires touch them. I'm able to adjust where I am in the slot using peripheral vision. Peripheral vision also helps when F2 make a last second adjustment where I need to adjust as well.
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#3
Umpire in Chief
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 05:01 PM
I would advise against touching the catcher whether it is a light touch while going into your squat or resting your hand on their back.
I know some guys use it as a way to gauge their depth, others say it helps them clear the catcher.
I just say using my eyes does the same.
I know some guys use it as a way to gauge their depth, others say it helps them clear the catcher.
I just say using my eyes does the same.
#4
Posted 30 January 2012 - 05:20 PM
Don't touch the catcher. Read above.
I'm not where I need to be, but not where I used to be.
#5
Posted 30 January 2012 - 05:36 PM
Agree with everyone on this one. It's not a good habit to get into. As an ex-catcher I don't need a massage and usually umpires try to gauge where catchers are by "almost" touching them. This to can become a problem when a catcher moves unexpectedly and your hand grabs him accidentally. Just find the slot, and adjust with your peripheral vision.
At any given moment half the people like you and half of them hate you. Out of the half that hate you only half of them know the rules. So really only 25% of them hate you at any given time.... I like those odds!
#7
ump_24
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 06:48 PM
Reasons and advantages to do this do exist, but unless you're working professional baseball, don't do this.
We deal with amateur players at levels much less advanced than the pros in a world of crazy parents and trigger-happy lawyers. Not a good mix.
We deal with amateur players at levels much less advanced than the pros in a world of crazy parents and trigger-happy lawyers. Not a good mix.
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#8
sri8527
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 07:25 PM
amen to thatReasons and advantages to do this do exist, but unless you're working professional baseball, don't do this.
We deal with amateur players at levels much less advanced than the pros in a world of crazy parents and trigger-happy lawyers. Not a good mix.
#9
Matt
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 07:26 PM
I have never used physical contact with the catcher to do anything. I have only had one collision with a catcher, and it was his fault, not mine. What kind of catcher moves up the third-base line on a fly ball to right field?
#10
Posted 30 January 2012 - 07:27 PM
What kind of catcher moves up the third-base line on a fly ball to right field?
One that wants to plow you over on purpose
I'm not where I need to be, but not where I used to be.
#12
Kevin Finnerty
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 08:16 PM
An excellent example of needlessly touching the catcher:
“Let’s face it: Umpiring is not an easy or happy way to make a living. In the abuse they suffer, and the pay they get for it, you see an imbalance that can only be explained by their need to stay close to a game they can’t resist.”
̶ Bob Uecker
#14
Haid D' Salaami
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:18 PM
He's channaling the catcher on the strike. He's too low, not in the slot and touching the catcher, but he is a MLB umpire so who am I to judge?
Not fair as it looks like the catcheris moving up to catch the ball...
#15
Haid D' Salaami
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:19 PM
A good reason is this....
If maybe your touching him and the games starts to go the wrong way, he might turn it on you " hey get your hands off my back" then the coach might hear it and it can turn ugly fast...
If maybe your touching him and the games starts to go the wrong way, he might turn it on you " hey get your hands off my back" then the coach might hear it and it can turn ugly fast...
#16
Posted 30 January 2012 - 10:20 PM
A good reason is this....
If maybe your touching him and the games starts to go the wrong way, he might turn it on you " hey get your hands off my back" then the coach might hear it and it can turn ugly fast...
I have heard that example used before. Totally agree.
I'm not where I need to be, but not where I used to be.
#17
mstaylor
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Posted 30 January 2012 - 11:57 PM
I know my son despised an umpire touching his back. Many guys feel it hampers their ability to move to block balls. I doubt it does but the first time the catcher tells his coach hisn't digging pitches is because the umpire is on his back it is not going to be good. I've heard different reasons for doing it, I agree with none of them.
#18
Thunderheads
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Posted 31 January 2012 - 02:31 PM
so I guess this is a mugging ?!? And not in the slot for sure.......
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Jeff
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#20
Thunderheads
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Posted 31 January 2012 - 05:55 PM
The catcher is taking the slot away so he is getting the best look he can.
I'm going to have to disagree with you. Cuzzi is often out of the slot, and is often on the outside of the catcher. He also "hugs" the catcher as well .......
Jeff
NBSA / NFWB / MHSAA
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