Umpire's View of the Slot - March 2007

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As a plate umpire, you know (or you will learn) that catchers will “squeeze” the inside corner for their pitchers and take away your slot space.

Also, batters will crowd the plate and take more of that space from you.

If a catcher's position takes away your view of the slot, you need to adjust. Never tell the catcher he/she needs to move.

Your first adjustment is up. Work higher above the catcher's head when he/she crowds the inside corner. That will allow you to look down onto the plate area and improve your view of the plate, compared to the view you would have if you made no adjustment.

The second adjustment is to move farther into the slot, toward the batter. That will increase your viewing angle to the plate and reopen the plate area (and strike zone). Never move to the catcher's outside shoulder.

Remember, umpires can get rule updates, interpretations, useful tips like these and much more, by signing up for the Little League Umpire Registry. Click here for more details.

Also, chartered Little Leagues can order a copy of the Little League E-Rules CD, which includes videos of selected rules. Click here for more details.