The Creep?

Polo
Like many things in baseball, umpire mechanics are often changing. The creep is not being taught at any significant level for umpires. The HOK (Hands on Knees) position is the mechanic most recommended currently and is being taught at the highest levels.

From your description you end up in the HOK position...if this works for you in HS baseball then I would not have a problem with it. Since I know you have already done state playoff level HS games, I would say it hasnt hurt your evaluations...(congrats by the way!)

If I had any advice it would be to check with your chapter to see if there are any evaluation criteria regarding HOK or the creep...

Thanks Piaa....will do!

quote:

Originally posted by POLOGREEN:
As a former Varsity coach I always had my players "creep" right, left, down and on the balls of their feet.
As an umpire I have adopted this movement before a pitch then at the time of release I lock in with both hands on my knees.
IS THIS ACCEPTABLE?

Players and umpires have different objectives.

There is no need for an umpire to "creep."