Box or Scissors that is the question

[noumpere]

What is the best stance for protection of the uncovered spots (thighs, arms, hands) in lower level games??

Behind the pitchers mound or using an outside protector

[bam]

What is the best stance for protection of the uncovered spots (thighs, arms, hands) in lower level games??

Behind the pitchers mound or using an outside protector

Behind the backstop watching another PU get hit.

[JHSump]

ha ha ha.... I think I set myself up for those answers!

[JHSump]

I did another game tonight, 12U (these are local league games, not travel ball). I didn't get hit! Used the box throughout, but probably not relevant. The relevant fact: better pitchers, better catcher tonight.

Nevertheless, I tweaked my box stance a bit to lessen the possible damage to my thighs if a pitch hit me there. My thinking: aim to make my thighs as parallel to the ground as possible --- basically by "sitting" down into my stance. Then, when a ball does hit a thigh, it's more of a glancing blow.

I this the logic behind the "sitting" move into the the heal-toe or box stance? Or, am I way off?

[mjr_2013]

I did another game tonight, 12U (these are local league games, not travel ball). I didn't get hit! Used the box throughout, but probably not relevant. The relevant fact: better pitchers, better catcher tonight.

11 years old is a magic number where I work... 10U games will kill you. You will seriously just want to say "I give!" in the 2nd inning... If you are lucky, you will get hit only three or four times by balls that hurt.

12U is like flipping a switch. Those kids can play ball!! I have been hit 20-30 times this year alone because of careless or just plain s***** catchers in 10U... I've been hit only once this year in 12U, and it was by a foul ball straight back that got my chest protector. Catchers haven't been a problem at all.

I use the box btw.

[JHSump]

I agree that 12U is generally much better. But, have you ever encountered the 12U pitcher that grew considerably over the past year and now throws quite hard, but the catcher hasn't improved by the same amount? I find that sort of thing happens right at the 12U level. And then, those pitches really hurt when the catcher totally whiffs.

[Jocko]

I took this at the SEC Tournament. I believe this is Florida/Vandy game where Vandy pulled off a triple steal.

[UmpTTS43]

I took this at the SEC Tournament. I believe this is Florida/Vandy game where Vandy pulled off a triple steal.

As far as stance is concerned, could have same/better positioning with box/heel toe stance. It is my opinion that guys that use the scissors stance do so because they think they look better, not because they have a better view of the plate.

[Cajuncubsfan]

The other day I got a call to fill in for another umpire. The night before I had two games and all for my cloths were dirty. So I call my wife and ask her to bring me all my cloths that are in the washer. Well everything makes it to me but my jock strap and cup. So I rocked out the scissors!!!! That only the second time that has ever happened. I didn't feel like I looked good but I knew there was a much smaller chance I was going to take one to my "Mommy Daddy button"!!!! as Austin Power would say.

[Jocko]

I personally prefer scissors. I'm more comfortable during the long days of tournament play, My ankle, plate/screws from 3 surgeries, feels MUCH better, I have a good view, and I am less of a target for the ball. Box/Scissors.... Personal preference. However you feel best is how you should stand. One having a better view than the other I don't buy. Your head is in the same place.

[NWA_UMP]

I took this at the SEC Tournament. I believe this is Florida/Vandy game where Vandy pulled off a triple steal.

As far as stance is concerned, could have same/better positioning with box/heel toe stance. It is my opinion that guys that use the scissors stance do so because they think they look better, not because they have a better view of the plate.

Have you tried it? I lock in much better in the scissors and have a great view of the zone. I NEVER blink or flinch when working it...can't say the same with a box stance. For some reason when you rock forward in the scissors it just brings it all into perfect focus...YMMV...

[RC@54OUTS]

i'm with love2ump. box with mcdavid hexpads. at lower levels and fresh/jv and if it's not blazing hot i also use the forearm hexpads. icatch allot of lip from my fellow umpires until they get nailed.

[acpar72]

Just for the fun of it, thinking about going into scissors next year. Took a few shots in the past year but mostly arm and head shots (no big deal). After a clinic last week, going with some of the suggestions/criticism I received I believe the scissors is possibly better.

[JaxRolo]

Just for the fun of it, thinking about going into scissors next year. Took a few shots in the past year but mostly arm and head shots (no big deal). After a clinic last week, going with some of the suggestions/criticism I received I believe the scissors is possibly better.

Don't do it!

[guitarplaya2007]

The scissors has been proven to cause more head and neck injuries than the "box" aka working the slot. When working the scissors you are bracing your head and neck forward and not letting your legs and upper body "flex" backwards when taking a shot to the mask. Where as in the box your upper body and go back with the pitch therefore absorbing some of the impact, not all but some. This is why MLB is trying to convert several of the "scissors umpires" to working the slot. Yes you will get concussions working the slot as well but it has been proven that the chance is greater for concussion from working the scissors. Am I a doctor, no, all of this information has come from former and current minor league umpires. Take that for what it is worth, IMO the occaisional shot to the thigh or groin that may hurt for a day or two is a good trade off for cutting down on the risk of concussion. Just my 2 cents.

[NWA_UMP]

I use both box and scissors. I work the slot in both cases...just because you work either setup doesn't mean you should be anywhere other than the slot. I guess some folks think the box and slot are the same thing, they are not. If you work over the top of the F2 you are going to get hit. How bad and how often is just a matter of luck and odds.  

 

I use box when I am work tourney ball and have multipule plate games a day. Scissors is the mechanic I use durning HS season...for some reason I don't drift, I am locked in better, get a better look at the plate and feel more consistant in my zone. With the box I just don't focus as well...just me I guess.

[guitarplaya2007]

I use both box and scissors. I work the slot in both cases...just because you work either setup doesn't mean you should be anywhere other than the slot. I guess some folks think the box and slot are the same thing, they are not. If you work over the top of the F2 you are going to get hit. How bad and how often is just a matter of luck and odds.  

 

I use box when I am work tourney ball and have multipule plate games a day. Scissors is the mechanic I use durning HS season...for some reason I don't drift, I am locked in better, get a better look at the plate and feel more consistant in my zone. With the box I just don't focus as well...just me I guess.

My bad, yes nobody should ever under any circumstances work over top of the catcher, you should always be in the slot. I was only voicing what i had been told by mlb and milb guys that working the box reduces your probability of a concussion when hit in the mask as opposed to working the scissors. Both still hurt and both will have you seeing stars for a minute or two but when working the box your whole body can absorb the force of the hit a bit more than when working the scissors.

[Jocko]

Something I worked on in off season is re-converting to the box for HS ball. Reason being, I am more agile/mobile. I can get up and out quicker. I get into position quicker and easier. Long tourney days with multiple consecutive plates, I'll probably stick with the scissors. I'm a smaller target on a smaller field. Has nothing to do with seeing pitches or anthing like that. Strictly for mobility.

[Guest gills]

Hey guys, I'm new here but I was searching around looking for some new equipment and I ran across these compression shorts from McDAvid, I didn't think too much of them until I read the original popst here. These may put  an end to your worries and these nasty brusies.http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Umpire-24-Hexpad-Umpire-Short/dp/B003N7N55Y

[yawetag]

Those only go to the top of the knees. If I'm going to wear compressions on the plate, I need them to go to the ankle, so my shin straps don't dig into my skin.

[RichMSN]

Those only go to the top of the knees. If I'm going to wear compressions on the plate, I need them to go to the ankle, so my shin straps don't dig into my skin.

 

Long socks.

[Big Red]

Hey guys, I'm new here but I was searching around looking for some new equipment and I ran across these compression shorts from McDAvid, I didn't think too much of them until I read the original popst here. These may put an end to your worries and these nasty brusies.http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Umpire-24-Hexpad-Umpire-Short/dp/B003N7N55Y

 

Thanks for bringing these up...they have been mentioned in other posts, and I personally wear them (I exclusively use a box-style stance in the slot, very similar to Dale Scott).

However, don't think for a minute they are the be-all, end-all to bruises!

I took a shot near to the top of my thigh the other day, which hit right on the padding of these shorts. Still felt it and still got a bruise, but they do lessen/mitigate the impact, so it was not near as bad had I not been wearing them, which is what they are designed to do as they are soft padding only.

 

There is a version of these made which is the longer, compression pants variety; however, found that McDavid is not producing either of them anymore. Honigs has them on close-out and as you posted, they can still find be found on Amazon and other sporting good outlets.

[yawetag]

Those only go to the top of the knees. If I'm going to wear compressions on the plate, I need them to go to the ankle, so my shin straps don't dig into my skin.

 

Long socks.

 

No thanks.

[RichMSN]

 

Those only go to the top of the knees. If I'm going to wear compressions on the plate, I need them to go to the ankle, so my shin straps don't dig into my skin.

 

Long socks.

 

No thanks.

 

If it wasn't for the rashes I'd get on my legs, I'd just put the shins right up against skin.

 

I wear long tights, too.  But socks like the Force 3 model (very long) are an alternative for those who don't like to wear long tights.

[Magic]

Those only go to the top of the knees. If I'm going to wear compressions on the plate, I need them to go to the ankle, so my shin straps don't dig into my skin.

I wear the shorts as well. Here is a link to the pants style. But I dont think McDavid makes them anymore and it looks like these are for a large person.

 

http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-7530U-HexPad-Umpires-XXXX/dp/B007NLZGHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1363582328&sr=1-1&keywords=McDavid+7530U+HexPad+Umpire%27s+Pants+With+Cup+Pocket+Grey