Working In The Slot

Could anything have been done to prevent this?

Notice where CB starts his stance – do you work further in the slot than this?

Was his head height where it should be?

Umpires work in the slot when behind the plate

Discussion

2 Responses

  1. I think CB was in great positioning. Perfectly in the slot and good head height. There are times when no matter how good your mechanics you’re going to get it at some point.

    But I do think this highlights part of the danger of the scissors stance. With the scissors your chest lean is very far forward forcing you to have your head up to see the incoming pitch. With your chest down and head up your neck looses it’s natural ability to absorb the impact of the blow.

    Try this… While sitting at your desk, place your elbows on your knees and look out as if you’re watching a pitch come in. Now imagine you were struck in the head, try and tilt your head up like it would naturally do if hit by a uncaught pitch or foul. You can only move it an inch or so. This simulated being in the scissors or in the box/slot and leaning too far forward.

    Now place your elbows in your lap area/upper thigh. This simulates having more proper chest positioning in the box/ slot. Look out again as if you’re watching a pitch come in. Now imagine you’re hit in the mask and tilt your head up in the same way you did before. You have significantly more range of movement. It is this additional range of movement which can help absorb the energy and prevent neck/back injuries as well as concussions.

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