TK33

Don't read anything into that either. Proper mechanics for a catcher is to grab the ball with the throwing hand and use to the glove to shield the ball. I agree to a point with not automatically asking to see the ball, do that as a last result.

close enough so you can see, far enough so you are not in his way. Depends on the person to me. The last thing you want to do is hit the catcher. I had an ump push my left shoulder, thus pushing my glove into the swing. Then he called catcher's interference on me. Needless to say I was tossed, with a sore left hand.

I don't have a logic for this but if the hitter, left or right, is under 5'8 or so I prefer the scissor. If I'm doing HP 3-4 games in a day I switch between the two. If you do as Umpire In Chief says, base your position on the hitter every time you shouldn't notice much of a difference. This is also good advice because catchers at higher levels move all the time anyways so no use positioning off them. If you are using the scissors make sure your shoulders and neck are relaxed, this will lessen the impact of foul balls to the mask and fatigue. I have seen guys stick their neck out like a trophy animal mount, they are the ones who get dinged the most in the scissor. In my opinion too many young and new umpires use the box incorrectly and really should use the scissor until their skills develop. They don't see the outside corner and call too many strikes that are down and or away.

The issue I have seen is that too many green umps are sent out to do men's leagues. Running a 14U zone in men's leagues with wood bats doesn't sit well with the players and the leagues. I'll take men's league over high school any day. It's a better game than high school and most of the time it's easier money (no whining moms) and pays better.

I'm going to say this again, as I've said this in another thread. If you eject for swearing in an adult game, it will be the first and last game you work at that level. As a person who has scheduled umpires for both men's baseball and fast pitch you are 100% spot on correct. Being too quick to eject is a one check deal for the ump. Don't get me wrong abuse of umps isn't tolerated, the leagues I have been a part of prefer umps who give it back instead of eject.

I would not take the AC's darting out onto the field lightly. That is something that needs to be reported and addressed through your supervisor and the league. I agree that calling out the illegal pitch is the ticket, the coach really has no rebuttal then. Call it, explain it, and then turn your back to him if need be.

No balk, unless as the rule states he is faking a pitch