Scissors revival?

[rth54]

Is the scissors stance making a comeback? In just the last week I have noticed at least 3 MLB guys now working the scissors (or some modification) Danley, Fletcher, and Cousins, all former box guys. Wonder if the value of the stance is being reconsidered?

[johnnyg08]

Tough to say. It's hard on your body for many reasons.

I hadn't noticed what you noticed...I'll be curious to hear what other think.

[Umpire in Chief]

I doubt it. But that is interesting that these guys did move to it knowing the back and neck issues attributed to using the scissors.

[SanDiegoSteve]

I doubt it. But that is interesting that these guys did move to it knowing the back and neck issues attributed to using the scissors.

I never really attributed my back and neck problems to it. I already had a bad back and neck before I started umpiring. My main problem was getting nailed in the forearm/wrist/hand/elbow on too many ocassions. If I had a MLB catcher in front of me, I would take the scissors every time.

First time in scissors - 1990___________American Legion game - 1991_________Mustang - 2001_________Adult League - Spring 2010 (pre-diet)

[Thunderheads]

Wood bat tourney last July.................

[NWA_UMP]

I have worked both...knees are the issue for me. I have some cartilage floating in my left knee and should probably have it removed. Normal running and everyday life are fine...scissors will really cause some swelling and aching in the joint. However...I lock in much better working the scissors. I don't know why, just do. I never blink on a pitch, I don't move period. I find myself at times with tunnel vision working a box style stance. I know when it happens and fix it straight away but I just don't lock my vision as well as I do in the scissors.

[AZump78]

Funny this thread just came up. I saw Hunter W. ditched the scissors two nights ago and went to the box.

[rth54]

Add Brian O'Nora to the list ... I'm with <acronym title='Umpire-in-Chief'>UIC</acronym> in my curiosity given the reported adverse physical effects attributed to the scissors. O'Nora does seem to modify the stance a bit.

[Kevin Finnerty]

This guy, Rich Rieker, said that the neck issues caused by his use of the scissors finished him as an umpire.

I tried it for a few innings recently due to slippery footing in a rain game.

I actually liked it. Will I change to it? Nah.

[Thunderheads]

Add Brian O'Nora to the list ... I'm with <acronym title='Umpire-in-Chief'>UIC</acronym> in my curiosity given the reported adverse physical effects attributed to the scissors. O'Nora does seem to modify the stance a bit.

Naw...

He was boxing last night at the White Sox/Red Sox game...........

[Thunderheads]

By the way ....

I don't scissors all the time ....

I'll do it in a tourney to mix things up as seen in the pic I posted above. When I get tired, or when it's hot, ...it locks me in really nice.

And Kevin, ...yes, .... stability in a wet situation ...makes sense!

[BT_Blue]

I usually use the GD stance and have bad knees. Ill wear a brace on my right knee (which is the one that usually gives me issues). If I decide to use the scissors, usually a below HS level game due to the smaller target profile, I will put it on my left knee since that is the one that gets bent more than the right. Nice thing is that my head height doesnt change from GD to scissors so my zone stays pretty much the same (with the allotted widening of the zone for the level of ball).