Expert: Andrew Mullins - 5/5/2009

Question
I'm a long-time scorekeeper. While sitting up close but high above the guys at the plate, I cannot really tell how high or low the pitch is. But, I can clearly see the line of the ball from the pitcher's hand to the crossing of the plate. All of the officials put their chin above the catcher's shoulder on the side closest to the batter. I see most (not all) of them always call the outside strikes wide causing many no-swing strikeouts. The question: why don't officials center themselves on the plate for the best view, since strikes should have no bearing on where the catcher places himself?

Answer
The pitch called for tells the catcher where to set up on the plate.  The umpire then sets to the catcher in between him & the batter usually lining up on the inside line of the plate.  The plate is 17" in width.  If any part of the baseball crosses any part of the plate, then a strike should be called...in other words the "strike zone" is approximately 24" in total width.  Even though it appears to be out from your view, it is not actually out.

If umpires centered themselves on the plate, then we would be behind the catcher.

Thanks for your question, Andy

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