Plate Ump ???

LOL

How does an ump change a strike zone that is dictated by the "book"---obviously he had his own zone as most umpires do

TR,

I am suprized that you did not rise to ths umpires support....In past threads on strikes zones you have said that all you asked as a coach is that the strike zone stay the same during the game and not "float" and that your team can learn to adjust but only if the zone stays constant during the game...

Sounds to me as this is your type of umpire.....he established the zone right off, and the pitcher was missing a little up and a little low.....He told the pitcher that he was close but he wasnt going to change the zone to fit the pitchers.....

I dont see a problem.....

quote:

Originally posted by blm:

Can't the ump make any adjustment he wants as long as its fair both ways?????

The PU should have made an adjustment after the first borderline pitch he balled.

It just seemed strange that he would say Honestly your right there but I can't change now. It didn't change the out come of the game I just found it odd to tell a player that.

Which brings another question what is the strike zone by rule book anymore? I see nothing but mid thigh to the knees, belt high is to high? What is everyone else seeing?

I realize all umps are different to a point.

quote:

Originally posted by blm:
I see nothing but mid thigh to the knees, belt high is to high?

That would be a strike slot, not a strike zone.

BLM,

There have been some really good discussions on the strike szone here in the forum.....use the search feature with "strike zone" and you will gain access to them.....

Where is a Home Plate Umpire supposed to set up? In Florida last week, the Umpires were setting up with their crotch even with the Catcher's inside shoulder no matter where the Catcher set up. Sometimes, their head would be off the plate on the inside corner. They missed so many strike calls on the outside corner it was crazy. They were calling outside strikes that were easily a foot off the plate. Yes, they were doing it for both teams, but geez, no way those kids could hit those pitches.

quote:

Originally posted by powertoallfields:
Where is a Home Plate Umpire supposed to set up? In Florida last week, the Umpires were setting up with their crotch even with the Catcher's inside shoulder no matter where the Catcher set up. Sometimes, their head would be off the plate on the inside corner. They missed so many strike calls on the outside corner it was crazy. They were calling outside strikes that were easily a foot off the plate. Yes, they were doing it for both teams, but geez, no way those kids could hit those pitches.

At spring training this year PBUC was suggesting that MiLB umpires set up with their "outside ear", that being the one closest the catcher, on the inside edge of the plate. Combined with the proper distance behind the catcher, this offers a great view of the entire zone, low and away included.

Most pitches are the result of improper use of the eyes, not the stance. I've seen some umpires using the slot very well, but not tracking the ball all the way to the glove, thus missing a lot of pitches.

The better qustion is how high was their head? You can be exactly in the right spot, right to left, but be too low and you will miss outside pitches.
Now coaches and fans generally have no look at right to left on the zone, they think they do, but they are guessing.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael S. Taylor:
The better qustion is how high was their head? You can be exactly in the right spot, right to left, but be too low and you will miss outside pitches.
Now coaches and fans generally have no look at right to left on the zone, they think they do, but they are guessing.

I don't remember the height of their head, but I'm pretty sure the Catcher's head had to be in the way on the ouside pitches. I was directly behind the plate, so I could see inside and outside. When fans yell at Umpires about inside or outside pitches, when they are on the side bleachers, I just laugh.

quote:

At spring training this year PBUC was suggesting that MiLB umpires set up with their "outside ear", that being the one closest the catcher, on the inside edge of the plate.

This makes much more sense to me. I would think setting up on the plate vs. on the Catcher would be much more consistent.

The head height should be the umpire's chin is no lower than the top of the catcher's head. Any lower and you start loosing the outside corner.
The way to check yourself is to drop into position with a catcher and have a buddy take a ball and move it along the low and away strike plane and see if you can see it or not.
The other reason a lot of outside or low pitches are missed is because the PU is tunneling. That is where the PU quits tracking the ball about 15 ft in front of the plate. You must watch the ball all the way to the glove.

Thanks for the info Mr. Taylor!

As being a plate umpire. your wnat to be consistant. I really do not tell people where it miss ill say if its close but not close enough.

as the first person side all umpires have a diffrent stirke zone. its a judgement call and final. You can agure all you want but you be thrown out quickly.

quote:

Originally posted by powertoallfields:
Where is a Home Plate Umpire supposed to set up? In Florida last week, the Umpires were setting up with their crotch even with the Catcher's inside shoulder no matter where the Catcher set up. Sometimes, their head would be off the plate on the inside corner. They missed so many strike calls on the outside corner it was crazy. They were calling outside strikes that were easily a foot off the plate. Yes, they were doing it for both teams, but geez, no way those kids could hit those pitches.

I am alitte fishy on your comment you asking a question yet but saying that the umpire wasnt in the correct postion. It depands on the batter tell you the truth. I dont see how you can say they were a foot of plate when you werent close enough to be doing a game.