Slot Blocked

I adjust where I can and then call what I can see. Call a couple of decent pitches balls and the catcher will want to know what is going on. Just tell him you can't call strikes on pitches you can't see. Don't tell him what to do or how to do it. Give him the information to fix the problem then lt him figure it out.
If you have to mention to the manager that you aren't getting a good look at the zone, then let him figure it out.

Thans what I did MST I talked to the coach turns out he is a new catcher!

And take it from me, never give up the slot to get a better look..it feels and looks great, for a second...

I was working a U19 select game, studs on the mound having great days, H team up 1-0 in the late innings V team is threatning.
Over matched batter just fouled off a high heater on the inside half for strike 2. Next pitch F2, a big galoot(Sp), 6'3" 240ish, kid I've known since he was 4'3" and 40lbs, squeezes the inside off the plate, late..
I can't see a thing, I give up the slot and slide to the outside, what felt like just a bit, not to naked! I can see the plate, felt like the right thing, knowing their gonna saw him off. As the game is tightning up, I want a view and forget what I'm doing, let my eyes take over.
Wouldn't ya know it, pitch is outter 1/3.
B fouls it straight back..
The ball, with a mind of it's own, fails to hit any of the hundreds of dollars of gear I'm wearing, strike's nothing but meat just above the elbow, at least it's meat and not bone...#!@^$#^^!^#*&#!!! of a bee, I grumble/stumble and froth, I then proceed to pull a hamstring kicking myself in the a...

Once the cursing and rubbing stop, I said something "not very proffessional" to F2 about "ya better friking fraking give some bugdusting sock sewing room, or you're gonna walk the next 20 batters."
He was sympathetic and apologetic.

Next pitch he set's up in the same spot! I whisper in his ear and tap him, "give me something", he does. F1 snaps of a beut of a curve ball that had B 1/2 frozen, 1/2 bailing for an easy punch out..though it wasn't my best punch out move as my arm was still numb from the bicep down.
I did manage to say to F2, "hey, he needs to throw a lot more of those."
Did I mention "don't ever give up the slot"?
As others have said, communicate your need to have some room.

quote:

Originally posted by jjk:
...#!@^$#^^!^#*&#!!! of a bee, I grumble/stumble and froth, I then proceed to pull a hamstring kicking myself in the a...

Once the cursing and rubbing stop, I said something "not very proffessional" to F2 about "ya better friking fraking give some bugdusting sock sewing room, or you're gonna walk the next 20 batters."

I hope you're kidding and didn't really pull this clown act.

Not really.
I exagerated a bit all with the intent of stressing; the importance, to work effectively and safely to stay in the slot. Communicate that need quickly and to whom ever however you prefer.

Yes, every single one of those thoughts went through my mind.

I think jjk is referring to the general rule that we protect the catchers that protect us.

When I talk to the catcher in the first inning, I always say "I work the slot. If you squeeze me inside, it's going to be tough for me to call it." Most experienced catchers know what you mean. In fact, I've had catchers whose first statement after the hand shake was "Do you work the slot?"

quote:

Originally posted by yawetag:

When I talk to the catcher in the first inning, I always say "I work the slot. If you squeeze me inside, it's going to be tough for me to call it." Most experienced catchers know what you mean. In fact, I've had catchers whose first statement after the hand shake was "Do you work the slot?"

I have never had a catcher ask me that question.

quote:

Originally posted by dash_riprock:
I have never had a catcher ask me that question.

I had it twice last year. Both were Varsity-level.

Everyone works the slot. "I work the slot" is like saying "I like to look between the bars on my mask."

quote:

Originally posted by dash_riprock:
Everyone works the slot. "I work the slot" is like saying "I like to look between the bars on my mask."

I'd imagine there are umpires that work above the catcher. It's also possible the catchers have been taught "slot" is similar to "box" or "scissors," and is more of a stance.