Avoiding/Overcoming the flinches after getting popped in the face.

[Recontra]

I always try to pick at least one thing each game to work on. One thing I also invariably find myself having to to work on almost every game is overcoming the "flinches" for the next couple of innings after getting hit in the face. I figured out if I wear yellow shooting glasses in the Spring, I'm immune to mud balls (grit in the eyes encourages flinches). But it's that shot to the mask (even if it doesn't hurt) that I struggle to overcome for the next couple of innings. I'll either close my eyes on balls approaching my face, or even start to instinctively bail (which obviously could expose the side of my face to impact and/or cause me to miss a late swing at a high pitch or or even a struck batter or catcher's interference). I realized it was a big deal after a subsequent pitch came high and inside toward my face, my sub-conscious mind closed my eyes as the ball reached the batter, he swung at the high pitch, and I didn't see him swing at all--went to my partner and got the call right, but obviously that's not ideal plate mechanics (and was kind of embarrassing).

After being hit, I've tried consciously keeping my eyes extra wide open, and telling myself I'm going to track any subsequent high inside pitch right into my mask again and trust that leather will fly up at the last instant and save me, and that "swing thought" does help. But sometimes it's like my subconscious mind has an overpowering will of its own. Now I do 60' and 90' LL, so I get hit a lot. I'm just wondering if any of you much more experienced umpires have come up with tricks that have helped you overcome the flinches mid-game after being clonked in the face. Usually after a couple of innings I can get over it again. But it's still a skill that I most certainly need to get better at.

Thanks if you have any suggestions that have worked for you.

Michael Smith

Salem, Oregon

[johnnyg08]

Right off the top, if you don't have the best mask money can buy, I would encourage you to upgrade your mask. The best gear can help your confidence and help you stay down on the pitch.

[semper_fi_72]

Stop over thinking.

Take the shot and forget about it.

If you continue to think about getting hit you will flinch.

As was said in "For Love of the Game" clear the mechanism....lol

As said, if you don't have a good mask get one.

[Jocko]

^^^This^^^, and get your mind on something else. Think of proper foot position, head height (which may be something you want to look at if you're getting alot of mask shots), timing. Give your mind something else to ponder. If you sit there sayin dont flinch dont blink over and over you're almost jinxing yourself.

[Dannytheman]

With the right mask and right pads, when it hits you won't be any worse for wear. Trust the gear and think of others things. Concentrate on the "where are we in the game" stuff. I like to scan the field quickly before each pitch, left to right, and make sure I make contact with my partener if I have one. That extra second gets me ready to settle in and watch the pitch with a still head. Buy a great mask and a better cup. The rest is easy!

[johnnyg08]

I guess I had never thought that you might not be set up in the slot. If you're not in the slot, you need to get there.

[Jocko]

And if F2 sets up so far inside that he closes the slot, position up and back. Never outside.

[JaxRolo]

I used to flinch and and one day I just decided to suck it up. Now I stand my ground and do the Joe West thing.

[Recontra]

Thanks. All great ideas. Instead of thinking and concentrating on not flinching, maybe I should concentrate on not concentrating on it. It does make some sense in a twisted way. An experienced umpire mentor I admire gave me a "swing thought" this Spring to help me better track the pitch all the way in to the mitt (or my mask): "PROVE TO ME YOU'RE NOT A STRIKE!!" And because that pitch was never completely done trying to disprove itself till after it had past the plate, my tracking improved immensely--as did my timing--and by the time I recognized it was a mask-banger, it was basically too late to even close my eyes. It was always after a hard clonking that I had the problems. Maybe I just need to concentrate on getting back to that focussed swing thought every time I'm hit--because now that you've chimed in, I have a hunch that my "swing thoughts" afterwards were probably: "I hope I don't get hit again." As far as the slot goes, I do a pretty good job of staying in the slot--it's those high inside pitches that even the batter bails on that tend to tag me

[Recontra]

Also, Trout78, thanks for the "up and back" suggestion when you have to fight for the slot. That's an awesome idea. When the batter crowds the plate (or holds his hands high over the plate so he blocks the pitcher's release point if I'm standing in the slot), and/or when the catcher sets up inside, my inclination was always to squat further (probably having my chin below the top of the catcher's helmet), and to move more behind the catcher (and obviously more in line with where most hard fouls go). I'd get to see more of the pitch, but I'd also lose it as it crossed the plate. That's an awesome suggestion. This forum is like a great pre- pre-season mechanics clinic. Thanks. I will most definitely remember that one.

[boyinr]

Buy a good mask frame with better pads, adjust it correctly and trust your gear. Make sure it is loose enough to hang away from your chin. My personal favorite is an All Star FM25TI with Team Wendys pads and a 4" throat protector. I have done everything in my control I can to ensure my safety.

As for trying to concentrate on not flinching, it is impossible for all kinds of reasons. Just like the old trick of "think about anything other than a pink elephant". It will be all you think about. Instead reverse your thinking into a positive thought such as " track the pitch to the mitt"

[umpcoachfather]

man up.

[Dannytheman]

Also, Trout78, thanks for the "up and back" suggestion when you have to fight for the slot. That's an awesome idea. When the batter crowds the plate (or holds his hands high over the plate so he blocks the pitcher's release point if I'm standing in the slot), and/or when the catcher sets up inside, my inclination was always to squat further (probably having my chin below the top of the catcher's helmet), and to move more behind the catcher (and obviously more in line with where most hard fouls go). I'd get to see more of the pitch, but I'd also lose it as it crossed the plate. That's an awesome suggestion. This forum is like a great pre- pre-season mechanics clinic. Thanks. I will most definitely remember that one.

OMG, Trouts head will get BIGGER If that is possible. :notworthy:

[bam]

Do you chew gum? Tobacco? It's easier not to flinch when your teeth are separated and your jaw is somewhat relaxed. A mouthguard might help, as well. I'm thinking of asking my dentist to make my a good one, but for a couple hundred bucks, I have all sorts of other equipment I'd like to buy.

[Jocko]

Also, Trout78, thanks for the "up and back" suggestion when you have to fight for the slot. That's an awesome idea. When the batter crowds the plate (or holds his hands high over the plate so he blocks the pitcher's release point if I'm standing in the slot), and/or when the catcher sets up inside, my inclination was always to squat further (probably having my chin below the top of the catcher's helmet), and to move more behind the catcher (and obviously more in line with where most hard fouls go). I'd get to see more of the pitch, but I'd also lose it as it crossed the plate. That's an awesome suggestion. This forum is like a great pre- pre-season mechanics clinic. Thanks. I will most definitely remember that one.

OMG, Trouts head will get BIGGER If that is possible. :notworthy:

I gotta get some flex fit hats

[cyclonehokiece]

Do you chew gum? Tobacco? It's easier not to flinch when your teeth are separated and your jaw is somewhat relaxed. A mouthguard might help, as well. I'm thinking of asking my dentist to make my a good one, but for a couple hundred bucks, I have all sorts of other equipment I'd like to buy.

I would not suggest chewing tobacco on the field. Not only is it unhealthy and addicting, but in a lot of youth codes it is against the rules and imparts a bad image on young players. They will start to think if the umpire can use it, I can. Use gum or sunflower seeds instead if you must have something in your mouth.

[Jocko]

Do they make Copenhagen gum?

[bam]

Do you chew gum? Tobacco? It's easier not to flinch when your teeth are separated and your jaw is somewhat relaxed. A mouthguard might help, as well. I'm thinking of asking my dentist to make my a good one, but for a couple hundred bucks, I have all sorts of other equipment I'd like to buy.

They will start to think if the umpire can use it, I can.

Does that go for my idicator, as well? :smachhead:

[RC@54OUTS]

it's very hard to overcome the lack of trust in the five foot nothing in front of you catching the stud on the hill. the fast ball that touches nothing but your face is a bitch. you just have to grunt it out get better and move up to higher level ball. and as was suggested, get great equipment and stay in the slot.

[Jocko]

......one day I just decided to suck.....

That explains it!

B)

[JaxRolo]

......one day I just decided to suck.....

That explains it!

B)

Me sucking makes everyone else look good. So I'm just doing my brethren a favor. :smachhead:

[BRUMP]

......one day I just decided to suck.....

That explains it!

B)

Me sucking makes everyone else look good. So I'm just doing my brethren a favor.

On behalf of the entire umpiring community special thanks to Rolando Almaguer for making us all look good. LOL

[Jocko]

You must suck real bad, since I look so good!

[JaxRolo]

......one day I just decided to suck.....

That explains it!

B)

Me sucking makes everyone else look good. So I'm just doing my brethren a favor.

On behalf of the entire umpiring community special thanks to Rolando Almaguer for making us all look good. LOL

You know at some point in the future when somebody googles my name this sentence my show up along with my arrest for bank robbery in 1979!

[Jocko]

Well, according to Google, I'm dead.