Double Headers

[alan2703]

When doing double header high school and above do you prefer to do plate or bases first, I myself prefer plate as I think right or wrong that the pitcher and catcher are a little better than the second game battery, also seems pace of play is little faster and crisper. 

[law_reb]

In Mississippi high school we usually play a JV/Varsity doubleheader.  5 inning JV game followed by a 7 inning varsity game.  I much prefer the plate for the 7 inning varsity game.  If it's a true double header, I like the first game behind the plate as well.  For the same reasons you mentioned, because I like to set the tone for the day(especially if I'm unsure of my partner), and because I feel more fresh.  Sometimes a slow game on the bases makes me get sluggish and then it's hard to get back up for the plate.   

[catsbackr]

I prefer doing the first game first also for the same selfish reasons as you!

[MadMax]

... better than the second game battery, also seems pace of play is little faster and crisper. 

 

For that very reason, I often am asked or directed* to be the "trailing" PU. The lagging starts to creep in on the backside game, and I'm there to keep it snappy and timely. My mannerisms and mechanics "style" are usually different than my partner, and my strike call is unique from others in our league. These are relatively minor, but they do contribute to the sense of this being "a brand new game, gentlemen", and not just a run-on from the previous one. In addition, a doubleheader (at least around here) usually denotes a lit / night game, and I love being behind the plate on night games.

 

Cue the AC/DC.

 

* = Asked by partners, directed by UD/LD's.

[johnnyg08]

Depends.  I used to be a big time 1st plate guy.  

 

I judge my mood.  Sometimes the weather is more comfortable for the second game too.  

[noumpere]

I used to slightly prefer the second game for the plate.  If I worked the first plate, I was tired and my mind would wander in the field.

 

Then, I slightly preferred the first plate, for most of the reasons given above.

 

Now, I don't really care.

[MadMax]

Addendum: I've also come to notice, in my "career", most of my umpire partners on these doubleheaders are either notably more senior or more junior than me. The senior ones have even gone so far as to imply that they'll take both games as PU "because they have the gear on already". Once I tell 'em that I'll gladly take the second game, they're happier. If I give the first game to the junior guy, I can tell he feels more involved.

[johnnyg08]

I started that last year in my FED games...if it is the same teams playing, I will suggest that the plate guy simply stay on the plate (often times it's me...I'm not pawning off plates)

[bam]

Give me the plate 1st game. After the 2d game I'm tired and don't want to have to screw around with my plate gear.

Duh.

[johnnyg08]

Give me the plate 1st game. After the 2d game I'm tired and don't want to have to screw around with my plate gear.

Duh.

 

Probably the worst part about 2nd plate on a road trip is putting away my wet gear.