Plate Stance and Height correlation

[rth54]

Is there any established correlation between an umpire's height and their choice of plate stance?

In other words, are there particular plate stances that are more effective for taller, or, in my case shorter (5'8) umpires?

It may help to know that I will be doing a fair amount of Bronco and Pony games, as well as a smattering of Adult games.

Thanks....

[NovaScotiaBlue]

NuBlue.

I don't think there is a corrolation between height and plate stance. Catchers have more of an impact on how you set up back there.

Having said that Try to find a stance that allows you to be balanced, comfortable, and relaxed back there. The other key is having a good view of BOTH the inside the outside 1/2 of the plate. Experiment. Try the GD stance, or the slot. You will eventually find what you like and what allows you to be at your best

[mazzamouth]

Is there any established correlation between an umpire's height and their choice of plate stance?

In other words, are there particular plate stances that are more effective for taller, or, in my case shorter (5'8) umpires?

It may help to know that I will be doing a fair amount of Bronco and Pony games, as well as a smattering of Adult games.

Thanks....

I'm 5'7" and I use the heel toe.. and see just fine.. if your in the slot correctly you be fine.

[rth54]

I'm 5'7" and I use the heel toe.. and see just fine.. if your in the slot correctly you be fine.

Thanks Mazza... appreciate the response.

[mazzamouth]

Thanks Mazza... appreciate the response.

It wasnt much huh?.. I have had a really bad day... I owe an apology to mr. Umpire as well for bitting his head off early this morning..LOL

But for real.. as long as you can see the low outside pitch, you should be good... make sure that the bottom of your mask is at the top/or slightly above the top of the catchers head... get up in the slot, it will fell weird, you will be really close to the catcher as well.. this is ok... there is also the box stance...and that works well.. the scissors..but who uses that anymore...

here are the 2 articles from Carl Childress..

http://www.umpire.org/writers/childress1.html

http://www.umpire.org/writers/childress2.html

i know you saw that pic on umpire.org of tim_c in his stance..look on page 3.. you will see a pic.. Im my opinion I think Tim is way to far back.. but that is me..

http://www.umpire.org/forum.php

[rth54]

It wasnt much huh?.. I have had a really bad day... I owe an apology to mr. Umpire as well for bitting his head off early this morning..LOL

But for real.. as long as you can see the low outside pitch, you should be good... make sure that the bottom of your mask is at the top/or slightly above the top of the catchers head... get up in the slot, it will fell weird, you will be really close to the catcher as well.. this is ok... there is also the box stance...and that works well.. the scissors..but who uses that anymore...

here are the 2 articles from Carl Childress..

http://www.umpire.org/writers/childress1.html

http://www.umpire.org/writers/childress2.html

i know you saw that pic on umpire.org of tim_c in his stance..look on page 3.. you will see a pic.. Im my opinion I think Tim is way to far back.. but that is me..

http://www.umpire.org/forum.php

No worries at all...believe me, I understand having a bad day. Seriously, I do appreciate your response...long or short, I appreciate every bit of input... as a newbie (and a geezer....lol) i am eager to learn everything i can from anyone willing to share what they know.

Thanks for the links.... I am still experimenting with stances..will probably try 'em all before I'm done. Even the scissors.... With all the bad press (and I am not disputing the rationale) and declining popularity, there are still a significant number of umpires still workin' the ole' scissors. I still see a number of D-1 guys using it.

At any rate I will probably leave no stone unturned in the search for what will work best for me.

Thanks again for your help....

Ray

[BT_Blue]

Ray,

Just make sure that if you use the scissors to practice before using it on the field. Make sure that your front leg forms a 90 degree angle and (if I remember correctly) that your head should be over the top of your front knee.

Me personally, when I do the scissors which is very few and far between, I place my hands on my knee just behind the shin guards to keep me at proper height and such.

[rth54]

Thanks for the tips Arik....I realize that correct implementation is especially crucial for the scissors (not that it is not for other stances) ....My association primarily favors/ teaches the Evans heel-toe slot stance, but it is not set in stone by any means. Frankly, I am not particularly comfortable with it. GD is a possibility, but, I want to try as many possibilities so that i can make the best choice for my needs.

[mstaylor]

With your height I would suggest the GD stance also. The scissors can work but there problems that take some getting used to. I place my front foot where I want to end up and then slide my back foot into my stance. BT Blue is correct on the stance itself but how far you slide your foot depends on your height and height of the catcher. Make sure you keep the bottom of your toes on your trail foot down so it doesn't slide out from under you. The problem is you need to go down later than in other stances because of shifting catchers. If you go down and the catcher comes sideways he can cut your knee out from under you.

[rth54]

Thanks so much mstaylor.

Had my first live scrimmage today on the plate (NABA adult league). Really was focussed on getting a good look at pitches, and the situation afforded the opportunity to experiment with a couple of stances. All in all, not too bad for a first timer.

Thanks again for your input....

How do you deal with catchers who move a lot, especially when they really squeeze the inside corner?

Edited February 22, 2010 by NuBlue

[catsbackr]

Go up and back.

[mazzamouth]

Thanks so much mstaylor.

Had my first live scrimmage today on the plate (NABA adult league). Really was focussed on getting a good look at pitches, and the situation afforded the opportunity to experiment with a couple of stances. All in all, not too bad for a first timer.

Thanks again for your input....

How do you deal with catchers who move a lot, especially when they really squeeze the inside corner?

2 ways to handle this...In my warm up looking at the 8 pitches before we start, I like to introduce my self to the Catchers.. I also like to tell them that I like to see the inside, and I work in the slot, so if you don't mind can you try to let me see the slot, that way I get a good look at the pitches... ( well I learned this trick from Joe Burleson a CWS umpire)...LOL

and it will happen when the F2 and batter are close all you have to do is stand up taller..... its really that easy.

[rth54]

Thanks Mazza.... I went to a GD clinic in january that Burley was teaching at, and, now that you mention it, I remember him saying that very thing. I must have a mind like a sieve. I need to make sure that I have the conversation next time. Think I was a bit nervous with it being first game and all. Burley is a sharp guy.... funny too.

BTW where are you positioning your hands when you are setting up for a pitch?

[semper_fi_72]

Thanks Mazza.... I went to a GD clinic in january that Burley was teaching at, and, now that you mention it, I remember him saying that very thing. I must have a mind like a sieve. I need to make sure that I have the conversation next time. Think I was a bit nervous with it being first game and all. Burley is a sharp guy.... funny too.

BTW where are you positioning your hands when you are setting up for a pitch?

Your slot arm is tucked on your abdomen and make sure you tuck that elbow.

The other hand is on your thigh. I slip mine down till it contacts the top of my shin guard. Again, tuck that elbow.

Keep the elbows out of the line of fire.

[mazzamouth]

BTW where are you positioning your hands when you are setting up for a pitch?

No problem man...

I know when I'm locked in... I have a hand ( which is ever behind the catcher) just barely, I mean barely if not touching his back.. and my other arm is either on top of my knee, or under my knee holding on... I'm trying both arm positions now...LOL this is pretty close to my stance...But more of a Heel to toe ...

[rth54]

After adjusting the straps on my platinum, got it to fit nice and snug. Perfect.... nearly forgot it was there after an inning or two. Slippage seems to have been eliminated!