Actually Critique Me

[Umpy]

All the ridicule in the other thread has me wondering how well I actually look. And it just so happens a week ago at a Little League fall ball game someone I know came with a camera.

I have many flaws that I know of, spot them.

[Umpire in Chief]

Not bad from 1 still shot.

1. Plate shoes are a must
2. Hand positioning dont hide your hands, just dont rest them against anything hard like knees or shins.
3. Head height looks good.

[mstaylor]

Work on putting your hands on the sides of your knees. It looks better, locks you better and will allow the ball to move your arm without hurting too bad. You lean pretty far forward with your upper body. Widen your feet so you drop less and get the same head height and you lean less. Think sitting in a chair. It is hard to see your slot position so can't comment on that. What you are doing isn't bad, just a little refinement.

[UMP45]

Work on a good "farmer's tan"!

[mazzamouth]

I for one put my hands in the same spot, and have heard nothing from some really good evaluators.

Head height is good

you feet look good,

we cant tell if your in the slot

and as noted Plate shoes.

you have good forward lean.

[mstaylor]

Mazz, his lean does center him over his knees so he is probably pretty balanced but I was thinking a little less would save his back.

[mazzamouth]

Mazz, his lean does center him over his knees so he is probably pretty balanced but I was thinking a little less would save his back.

maybe, But I know with good forward lean, he will be able to see the low outside pitch... which is very important.

[JaxRolo]

Humongous gap on the throat area. Get a Throat Guard before you lose your life!!!!!

The hands look awkward but I'm good with keeping them safe.

I'm ok with a little bit of lean forward.

oh and like others said. Plate shoes!!!! You are just an injury waiting to happen!!!! :tantrum:

[Kevin Finnerty]

Mazz, his lean does center him over his knees so he is probably pretty balanced but I was thinking a little less would save his back.

maybe, But I know with good forward lean, he will be able to see the low outside pitch... which is very important.

With a good forward lean, you are also more likely to stay up on your feet when you get tagged on the chin, which is also important.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Humongous gap on the throat area. Get a Throat Guard before you lose your life!!!!!

The hands look awkward but I'm good with keeping them safe.

I'm ok with a little bit of lean forward.

oh and like others said. Plate shoes!!!! You are just an injury waiting to happen!!!!

Plate shoes: $100.00 (give or take $10.00)

Shattered toe or instep: $1500.00-$2000.00

Throat guard: $4.00

Funeral: $15,000.00 (give or take ...)

Wider stance is great advice. You can bear less weight on your legs, so you can stay better locked. And if you want to hide your hands, you may even slide them back a little so you can keep your elbows closer to your ribs (elbows also worth protecting).

YOU LOOK GOOD, MAN!

[Kevin Finnerty]

And more on the throat guard:

Mine was partially torn off by my worst-ever chin-shot foul this past Sunday. Even though the field was located near a fine hospital, I was allowed to skip an ambulance ride because of my $4.00 throat guard.

So I can't say this vehemently enough:

WEAR A EFFING THROAT GUARD!

[Umpy]

Yeah I know I need to get plate shoes, but in the mean time I only accept plate assignments for youth games, I've taken more than a few shots to the foot from the young guys and barely felt them, so I think I can continue to risk my foot health in the mean time.

Earlier in the season I had an assignment for bases on an 18U scrimmage and due to a last minute cancellation by the PU, and his replacement having a doctor's note declaring no plate work due to recent concussion, I was put behind the plate in these shoes and took a pitch straight to the foot. I could barely walk on it for at least 3 days. So believe me that I have an understanding of the risks I'm taking, and I'm just that stupid.

I guess I'll have to see about picking up a throat guard though, I do enjoy breathing.

[Thunderheads]

First of all let me say that I think it's great the Umpy has the stones to do this. There's not a better place to do it, but the fact that he's going to take constructive criticism in an effort to make himself better is great!

That said, ...I agree on most things, but I need to mention the throat guard comments. Here's my take (and Umpy,..no offense) but.....

A throat guard will NOT bridge the gap you see in the photo Umpy posted.

Yes, or no?

[Mr Umpire]

First of all let me say that I think it's great the Umpy has the stones to do this. There's not a better place to do it, but the fact that he's going to take constructive criticism in an effort to make himself better is great!

That said, ...I agree on most things, but I need to mention the throat guard comments. Here's my take (and Umpy,..no offense) but.....

A throat guard will NOT bridge the gap you see in the photo Umpy posted.

Yes, or no?

It will help to maybe deflect or slow the ball down. But, I agree about the gap. Umpy appears to be kind of tall and leans too far IMO which is why his neck is so exposed. My suggestion is the same as mentioned before with more.

1. Spread the feet a little more (if need be) and upright your knees more over the feet. This will help support your weight directly over the feet and put less pressure on the knees.

2. After spreading the feet and knees, this should allow you to sit more like in a chair stance. Thus, helping to take the weight of the mask and your head off your neck so much and putting it more on your back. You should notice a huge difference in support and how the mask feels late in the game.

3. You should need to lean less and still be able to see the zone. Your head won't move much back but your body gets more centered under you head and less neck exposure. This will allow you to tuck your chin a little more and not be so exposed. That is a major reason they tell fighters to tuck their chin. If you take a shot, it won't have as much of an effect. Plus, in the more open stance, you can move more in the slot and up if need be but still be better protected b/c your knees won't be so much out in front of you.

Practice in front of a mirror and see if you notice any differences. Get more pictures, even if it is just simulation pics and see how it looks and feels. Though I don't use the box approach now, I have and the more support you can get on the bigger parts of your body and less on the smaller parts, you will feel a lot better during the game and after.

[Codyw09]

Throat guards are dumb! Wear you chest right and lock your neck (no neck) and you'll NEVER get a throat shot.

[UmpJM]

Throat guards are dumb! Wear you chest right and lock your neck (no neck) and you'll NEVER get a throat shot.

Ha ha ha ha ha....

Good one, Cody!

Hey guys, what's the over/under on how long it takes before Cody takes a solid throat shot?

Apparently he's never heard of the Goddess of Baseball Karma, nor what a vindictive b*tch she can be.

JM

[Umpire in Chief]

I know a throat guard had kept me out of the hospital more than a few times. One time on a 58' pitch which hit from below and slapped the TG into my CP and back into my throat. It still hurt like a SOB.

I personally wouldn't go out on the field without one, but to each their own.

[Jeff C.]

Yep, a throat guard is a must. I had a foul come off my CP, hit the guard which pushed into my neck. I was a happy camper that I had the guard.

[Jeff C.]

Throat guards are dumb! Wear you chest right and lock your neck (no neck) and you'll NEVER get a throat shot.

Ha ha ha ha ha....

Good one, Cody!

Hey guys, what's the over/under on how long it takes before Cody takes a solid throat shot?

Apparently he's never heard of the Goddess of Baseball Karma, nor what a vindictive b*tch she can be.

JM

Yes, she is.

[carolinablue]

http://rds.yahoo.com...064016928KiZcjO

Here is an example of what Cody is talking about. Should be no problem for 7 innings.

[Thunderheads]

http://rds.yahoo.com...064016928KiZcjO

Here is an example of what Cody is talking about. Should be no problem for 7 innings.

linky no worky ;)

[yawetag]

linky no worky

[mazzamouth]

I wont lie... I don't wear one, and I took a nick in the throat.. I tried to wear one for a while, I don't like how it feels.. but if you have a good stance and good forward lean, you will reduce your chances of getting hit... But the baseball will always find you.

[boyinr]

I have taken two solid shots to the throat protector this season. One of them hard enough to break the nylon zip tie. I have checked the gap and adjusted my CP. In a perfect stance, with a ball straight on there is no need. We all all now this is not a perfect world and the unexpected will happen. I would not get behind the plate without one. I would rather give up my plate shoes first. A broken toe never killed anyone. If you choose to not wear one I wish you the best of luck.

[grayhawk]

Until someone can provide evidence that a throat guard makes injury MORE likely, I will wear one.