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Easy. Plate shoes. This is the one piece of equipment that should, and needs, to completely alter its convention. They are a – pardon the obvious pun – walking contradiction. As a company, you can only put so many resources into these shoes, make 'em like tanks (which they do), only for them to invariably wear out in some way. Whether that be internally, the sole / traction diminishes, or they get stepped on and damaged. Then you have the wildly broad range of size combinations – from as small as 5 (I'll never forget ya @Tksjewelry !) all the way to 16-17, and then from D to 4E in width! ... and then there's preferences on low, mid, or hi-top!! ... and then there are those cantankerous, stodgy users who want demand all-black! (How in the heck are you supposed to promote athleticism and advertise your company on an all-black shoe??!!) It is a daunting design challenge. Certainly, with the latitude of "money no object or barrier", something may one day emerge as a solution. If I was to undertake this one, I'd separate the protective components from the shoe itself. Let shoe manufacturers (continue to) make shoes in the variety of sizes, widths, and styles – and white embellishments!! – like they're fully capable of doing, and then develop a toe cap and tarsal plate that is durable, protective, (relatively) easy to install, and secure enough to be used by a variety of umpires, at a variety of levels, for both baseball and softball. Surely, with all of the resources we now have available to us, we can come up with something more refined and adaptable than heavy leather shoe-boots, in a restrictive array of sizes, at an exorbitant price point.

And Ramos got absolutely drilled directly in the middle of his mask by a foul ball in today’s Cleveland/Minnesota game - seemed perfectly fine and continued.

You would know if you were aware of how he engaged in the set and the windup, ie: his mannerisms.

Rich can speak for himself obviously but I find the Incrediware comfortable to wear for prolonger periods of time. They are fabric and not neoprene so breath and they aren't overly tight. Just comfortable to wear all day. They won't limit motion or provide as much support as neoprene sleeves (of which there are varying levels of braces and weight). I think they are good for lingering knee issues in a non-high activity level setting.

Not moving is not intentional INT unless you are dealing with NFHS umpires who take to heart Caseplay H.4.2 - H which I don't.

Curious to know more about what it is you like about these? My wife fell at the beginning of the summer (on vacation) and cracked the top of her tibia. She is scheduled to have the range limiter removed in a few weeks, but they recommended continuing to wear the brace. She was asking about when she goes back to work (she is an OR nurse and is on her feet and moving a lot), and they said she could still wear it for support and stability. It is kind of bulky though. Wondering if this may be an option.

Did EVERYBODY really know the pitcher was not touching the plate? There are far more fields than not that it is difficult to impossible to tell. How many fields do you work where there isn't even a real pitcher's plate, just a painted area on thee turf? If you are going to give the appearance of being there, I am going to assume you are there. I am not going to play the game of "But he was really 1/2 inch away." Granted, the PU's response does not help this case. Disclaimer: I cannot see the photo linked by the OP.

This is one of those "ick" plays where we have to hold our nose and make the call. It feels wrong because, as Max pointed out, the fielder is literally running up the BR's backside. How is the BR supposed to avoid a fielder that she cannot even see? It is not something that the batter had any real control over. Should we instruct fast catchers to simply run up the slow BR's ass when going out for a bunt? This will cause more (and more severe) injuries than throwing during RLI. It also feels wrong because of inconsistencies (across codes and within codes) in language and application when it comes to intent. If Manny Machado can intentionally run into the most likely throwing lane that is behind him, how can we penalize a batter who is being run over from behind? Nonetheless, I do agree, the rules support the interference call. I just don't like it.

My skull cap. I use the AS Skully--and it is by and large sufficient for the task--but I think it could be improved in a few ways (looks, padding location).

That is some sort of Zen level or hash pipe level of thinking, my friend. "Inaction is an action" (agreed though on possible "Hey man, is that Freedom Rock?" tones)

I feel like shins could get lighter and less bulky if money were no object - but I expect it'd be like $1,000+ and they wouldn't last too long.

That is some sort of Zen level or hash pipe level of thinking, my friend.

Is choosing not to move intentional? Asking for a friend.

I am not harshing on your mellow, but, for me, no. Just no.

I Google Amazon Japanese web site and order from that

Our HS season is in the spring, so IHSA rarely puts anything out before the end of February or early March (clinic season). Each season, it leaves our middle school season in this strange space between the previous year's rules and the new rules.

I agree, the recording is going to happen. Humans cannot resist the temptation when it is right there. NFHS issued more language on recording, but . . . Here is my question (and I have had it happen): Coach is using his iPhone to keep the book, but is scrolling, texting, and even answering a call since his device is handy and in front of him. What are you doing? What guidance is NFHS going to offer?

It is amazing that basketball shot clocks and massive football jumbotrons that only get used 5-6 times a season seem to be no problem for schools . . . just saying and venting. As for the gear list . . . I think y'all nailed it. There seems to be a pretty solid consensus on the to one or two items in each category. I'm also tickled a how much of that list I have pieced together over the years. Follow up question . . . If money were not a barrier, what piece of equipment would you design or improve upon?

If money was truly irrelevant, then why are we thinking so small, friends? An “oversized” indicator? Psshawh, I got your oversized indicator right here… Every field would have a working scoreboard, and an attentive scorekeeper or, absent that, a remote that I (as PU) or my partner can control during the game. Heck yeah, make the BU pay attention to the game! Every college field would have a clock, too, with again, at least a remote that the BU can manipulate. Heck (again!), these should be on HS fields too! If money was truly irrelevant, every Varsity -rated and college-used ballfield would have lights, too.

If cell phones and ipads are allowed to be held by the coaches in the box, how long before the first ejection because the coach is now taking video of everything and they have the nut cutter on video to show you how bad you missed it? Oh, I cant wait.

Anybody have any interesting State rule changes?

How does one go about getting the SSK pants?

SSK pants are outstanding. Also really like their ball bags. I loved the McDavid tights, especially the floating cup holder. Always held the boys in place.

Agree on the plate brush

1.Agree 2.Agree 3.Agree 4.Those were the best plate shoes ever 5.Really like the Japanese style belts that are out now. 6.I also use an oversized indicator, 3 dials with only 3 balls, 2 strikes and 2 outs. And I mean OVERSIZED.