In a recent conversation with 10.5-year MLB Umpire Veteran Marvin Hudson during Spring Training in Fort Myers, we discussed this very issue. His advice is simple, "You want to get in the slot and get as low as you can."
Slot PositionIf you don't know, the slot is the position in-between the catcher and the batter. In other words, if you are new to umpiring, resist standing directly behind the catcher and staying high. If you do, you are going to take your fair share of foul balls.
While in the slot, you could choose whatever stance is more comfortable to you from the scissor stance to the more popular "box" stance. The point here is that you are in the slot and low. There, you are more tucked away from foul balls and better able to use your catcher for protection.
"How low do you recommend?, I asked Marvin. "For me", he said, "I like to try to get my head down next to the catcher's ear". That's pretty low.
And for that outside corner that is sometimes troublesome for umpires in the slot, Marvin replied that with experience, "that's simply where your judgment comes in".
Thanks to Marvin for sharing some great advice to assist umpires of all levels be more protected behind the plate.
(Marvin and I at UMPS CARE Cincinnati Children's Hospital Event in Sept. 2009)
If you are an umpire who is looking to emulate someone with excellent plate mechanics and presence behind the plate, Marvin is a great one to watch. He is on Derryl Cousins crew this year and will be in Milwaukee tonight through Wednesday for their series against Pittsburgh.
More information and pics on this subject can be found elsewhere:
Plate Umpire Positioning
http://cadistrict25umpires.org/plate.htm
Basic Stances Behind the Plate
http://www.umpire.org/mechanics/signals/signals.html
Slot graphic courtesy of the California District 25 Little League Umpires
6 comments:
Undoubtedly as highlighted in this posting and in articles related to umpiring, the #1 safeguard in mitigating getting hit is the effective use of the catcher.
That being said, I am truly impressed how different umpires take the basic stance and then modify it a bit here and there.
Also, when it comes to the outside corner discussions, my guess is that the majority of us are doing high school, tournament, and little league and subscribe to the adage of that if that little voice in your head says that was a close pitch, we default to calling it a strike.
Before you start pounding the keys in retalitory response, think twice before you disagree as often I also will read and hear umpires speak say one thing and then once on the field, do something else.
I umpire for the love of baseball and I am always looking for feedback (good, bad, positive, negative, whatever) to help me move in a positive direction.
A safe and fun game to all!
Frank
I was told by a female umpire who had worked the olympics while I was working a tournament in Montreal a very good tip! That tip was to set up in the slot as pictured here on the website,but within a foot or so of the catcher, roughly the distance from your fist to your elbow from the catcher, and your ear at the top of the catchers head, I can see the outside corner with ease in this position! If Marvin has to guess about the outside corner he is setting up too low!!
I agree with Ron. You gotta try your best to actually see that outside corner and see it to the catcher's glove. Besides, with the skill and prowess of some pitchers and their late ball movement, I would hate to think I rang someone up on a pitch 6 inches off the plate or missed the one that ran well on to the plate Ishould have called
What should you do if the catcher moves? In some instances you are left nearly totally exposed. I tend to re-adjust and move with the catcher, especially the younger ones!
Great reviews for the start of the 2011 Baseball Season and new year. Always great to review and refresh the mind. Thanks To all. great stuff.
John
From Korea
Thanks John. Had to make sure everyone had umpiring on their mind to start the year. Hope it is a good one.
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