Working the slot

[Umpire in Chief]

Jim Kirk posted a nice article about working the slot with the assistance of Marvin Hudson.

Check it out here...

http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2010/04/get-in-slot-for-safest-umpire-plate.html

[DirtyDawg]

This is something I want to work on for the next couple of seasons. I've always worked over the catcher due to feeling like I get better feeling for where the ball crosses, and want to figure out how to move into the slot? Any suggestions?

[Umpire in Chief]

You'll have to get use to the change in perspective in working over-top vs in the slot.

The low and away pitch will be the hardest to get use to, but it will come with experience.

[padist4ump]

This is something I want to work on for the next couple of seasons. I've always worked over the catcher due to feeling like I get better feeling for where the ball crosses, and want to figure out how to move into the slot? Any suggestions?

I use the catcher as a guide. RH batter. My left toe at his right heel (or in the area) my feet a little better than shoulder width apart. This is of course using Davis Stance. You will feel a little bit exposed at first but you'll get used to it and it will give a great view of the zone

[catoblue]

I try to use the slot, and it's easy to do with LL, but in higher levels, where F2 might set up inside, obstructing your view - what is the remedy for this?

[ukce1861]

I use the catcher as a guide. RH batter. My left toe at his right heel (or in the area) my feet a little better than shoulder width apart. This is of course using Davis Stance. You will feel a little bit exposed at first but you'll get used to it and it will give a great view of the zone

This would put you outside the catcher, right? As in batter's to the left of the plate, catcher to his right and then you to the catcher's right. Am I seeing this correctly? I don't think I've ever heard of this. I bet you do feel exposed...

[MCLEOD36]

Cato.

The best advice, which I have learned over the years for getting pinched is back up and move up. Or you see a whole lot of ears and elbows. For little guys, I will go with the box and be over the catcher, but for HS, I like the slot. Yes, as Warren said you have to get used to the outside pitch, but you sure get a heck of a view, when you keep your eyes at the top of the zone and can see the whole plate. Now, if you are working a DH, and your partner is on the plate in the first game and he is in the box....guess what, his zone will be high and you will hear chirping for lower pitches that you will call vs. what he did the game before once you switch....

DONT EVER GO OUTSIDE THE CATCHER, IE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF HIM, SO HE IS BETWEEN YOU AND BATTER; YOU WILL GET HURT

[Umpire in Chief]

Cato.

The best advice, which I have learned over the years for getting pinched is back up and move up. Or you see a whole lot of ears and elbows.

Great advice. Also try talking to the catcher explain to him you want to get those pitches but he's taking away your view, he'll move.

[Mr Umpire]

I try to use the slot, and it's easy to do with LL, but in higher levels, where F2 might set up inside, obstructing your view - what is the remedy for this?

The only remedy is to stay in it as much as you can. Just get a little higher if he comes in but try to stay in it as best as possible. DO NOT GO OVER THE CATCHER'S OPPOSITE SHOULDER. You will be much more exposed and at greater risk.

If you have trouble seeing the pitches, do the best you can. If he asks about some, let him know you are calling the best you can while using what he is giving you. He'll figure it out or won't get the pitches he is expecting.

Just try to stay in it as best as possible for safety mainly.

[kwiggie]

I use the catcher as a guide. RH batter. My left toe at his right heel (or in the area) my feet a little better than shoulder width apart. This is of course using Davis Stance. You will feel a little bit exposed at first but you'll get used to it and it will give a great view of the zone

I am confused, are you actually off the right shoulder of f2 on a rh batter?

Do you guys slide out with f2 when he sets up on the outside? I have seen guys that do and guys that don't and each seems to have their reasons as to why.

I stay put,I get a GREAT veiw if I stay tight as opposed to moving out over "foul ball alley".

[Umpire in Chief]

I am confused, are you actually off the right shoulder of f2 on a rh batter?

Never, Never ,Never

Do you guys slide out with f2 when he sets up on the outside? I have seen guys that do and guys that don't and each seems to have their reasons as to why.

I will to some degree, but my nose will never go further than the point of the plate. I feel it gives me a more consistent view. But there is also the safety factor of going out that far would be like being off the opposite shoulder of the catcher.

[JaxRolo]

Never, Never ,Never

I will to some degree, but my nose will never go further than the point of the plate. I feel it gives me a more consistent view. But there is also the safety factor of going out that far would be like being off the opposite shoulder of the catcher.

+1

Great Answers UIC. I completely Agree.

[padist4ump]

Ukce and Kwiggie, Thanks for noticing my error you're right, I got it bass ackwards. My right toe, his left heel, reverse for LH batter. Sorry for the bad advice. Dawg... please don't set up outside the catcher!!!! Thanks also to Warren for the "never never never" I was rushing because I had to go meet my daughter at the bus stop and my head and fingers weren't in sync...not the best excuse, but the only one I got :clap:

Edited April 29, 2010 by padist4ump
typo

[cardinalfan]

Last night during the St. Louis/Atlanta game, Al Hrabosky showed that he doesn't know anything about umpiring. The Cardinal announcers are usually fair with umpires, but Hrabosky started a rant last night about home plate umpire Dan Iassogna's position behind the plate.

Iassogna was working the slot and didn't slide over with the catcher for an outside pitch. The Mad Hungarian elaborated about how dangerous it was for Iassogna to be exposed instead of "shielding himself" behind the catcher, and how the umpire would be able to get a much better look of the outside pitch if he was looking over the catcher's shoulder!

Good grief!

[DirtyDawg]

Ukce and Kwiggie, Thanks for noticing my error you're right, I got it bass ackwards. My right toe, his left heel, reverse for LH batter. Sorry for the bad advice. Dawg... please don't set up outside the catcher!!!! Thanks also to Warren for the "never never never" I was rushing because I had to go meet my daughter at the bus stop and my head and fingers weren't in sync...not the best excuse, but the only one I got

Don't worry, I knew what you meant!

[zm1283]

Cato.

The best advice, which I have learned over the years for getting pinched is back up and move up. Or you see a whole lot of ears and elbows. For little guys, I will go with the box and be over the catcher, but for HS, I like the slot. Yes, as Warren said you have to get used to the outside pitch, but you sure get a heck of a view, when you keep your eyes at the top of the zone and can see the whole plate. Now, if you are working a DH, and your partner is on the plate in the first game and he is in the box....guess what, his zone will be high and you will hear chirping for lower pitches that you will call vs. what he did the game before once you switch....

DONT EVER GO OUTSIDE THE CATCHER, IE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF HIM, SO HE IS BETWEEN YOU AND BATTER; YOU WILL GET HURT

The box is a stance like the heel-to-toe is a stance. The slot is a location. You can be in the box stance and still be in the slot, which is what I do.

I moved up and got into the slot last fall after using the Davis stance all of last year, which involves moving a pretty good distance away from the catcher. The Davis stance works but personally I'm a fan of being in the slot.

[Dragon29]

Ukce and Kwiggie, Thanks for noticing my error you're right, I got it bass ackwards. My right toe, his left heel, reverse for LH batter. Sorry for the bad advice. Dawg... please don't set up outside the catcher!!!! Thanks also to Warren for the "never never never" I was rushing because I had to go meet my daughter at the bus stop and my head and fingers weren't in sync...not the best excuse, but the only one I got

Wow! Your right toe to F2's left heel? Now it sounds as if you're right behind the batter - ?

If in the slot, most guys go w/Gerry Davis or the ol' heel-toe-heel-toe stance. (RH batter's heel to your left toe; your left heel even with your right toe - your right leg behnd F2)

[zm1283]

Wow! Your right toe to F2's left heel? Now it sounds as if you're right behind the batter - ?

If in the slot, most guys go w/Gerry Davis or the ol' heel-toe-heel-toe stance. (RH batter's heel to your left toe; your left heel even with your right toe - your right leg behnd F2)

Using the Gerry Davis system, you are NOT in the slot.

[okump96]

Using the Gerry Davis system, you are NOT in the slot.

then where are you?

i use the GD stance and i am in the slot, just a bit deeper than most people are.

[padist4ump]

Wow! Your right toe to F2's left heel? Now it sounds as if you're right behind the batter - ?

If in the slot, most guys go w/Gerry Davis or the ol' heel-toe-heel-toe stance. (RH batter's heel to your left toe; your left heel even with your right toe - your right leg behnd F2)

Actually I feel as though I'm right where I need to be. I see the whole plate. got a good view of the zone. I'm definately not right behind the batter. I'm in the slot