gator vs. thumb to thumb

Hi Back, Ag

Pretty close. Check out my response to Splitter.

Your point about the ball transfer is well taken, and I use it, see below, but with ground balls, the vertical glove does away with the need for the upper jaw of the gator...it really does.
I think that is where the emphasis should be placed...a vertical basket with an actual overhanging shelf if you actually look at the angles involved with a glove on.

Ball transfer for an infielder doesn't seem to be a limiting factor in put-outs in my experience....BUT IT IS A TREMENDOUS FACTOR WHEN A CATCHER IS PEGGING A BASE. For that reason I go against "modern" thinking about a catcher putting his hand behind his back while catching. Again...a whole cloth method is what I teach. "Put your throwing hand behind your mitt in a loose fist TOUCHING THE MITT-BACK SO IT DOESN'T WANDER OUT INTO TRAFFIC".

I made that decision after watching a number of catchers bringing their throwing hand out from behind them too early and being clipped with a foul tip while their hand was in transit to the mitt. I teach catchers to extend the mitt almost at arms reach in front of them. That way they can snatch the mitt back fast and the throwing hand can still find the grip and make the transfer while the mitt is still traveling toward them along with the ball. It seems to average shaveing about .6 to .7 seconds on their pop to pop to second. See, the ball never comes to zero mph unil it is at the back of their cock to throw.

Conversely, an infielder catching a grounder has to bring it up to throwing height anyway, and there seems to be ample time for the transfer during that process.

Oh! Bye the way... Anyone who remembers the exact instant (game)when "the ole' hand behind the back for the catcher" became the cat's meow nationally...email me at beans@pdq.net and I'll send you an autographed copy of my book. (PS only if you are correct)
Best regards
Kenneth Bean