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A few of you asked what would be my ideal CP. I replied that I was using it – the Schutt-Adams XV (MaXV). Despite the release of the All-Star Cobalt (and my trying it out), the presence of the (USA-made) Douglas on the market, the advanced materials of the Force3 UnEqual, the allure of the rare and exotic +POS Cobra, or a pursuit of a Riddell Power, I genuinely felt protected and satisfied with my venerable MaXV. For one, it was extremely lightweight. For two, it being an original first-batch Schutt XV (the Adams chest plate came from a donated repair unit) it used the magical D3O as its pad jacket, allowing it to be thinner, with no loss of energy absorption, lighter, and most importantly hydrophobic, meaning that it shed moisture near-instantly. Here’s what it looks like on: The low-profile aspect was not without some work, but the resulting fit was exceptional. About 3 years ago, I dramatically improved the fit, but also the behavior of this CP by replacing the wretched, shirt-killing T-hooks with side-release buckles (SRBs), relocated in closer to the centerline alá the Cobalt. No more punching holes in my expensive shirts on chest impacts. The SRBs, however, were blocky and not immune from breaking. As such, I trialed a new product, the G-hook, and immediately became sold on all their fit and functional advantages. Unfortunately, Schutt (and by association Adams, its subsidiary) was forced out of baseball due to a bankruptcy filing and acquisition by a new parent company that streamlined it to focus solely on football. As a consequence, this tremendous CP and all its benefits were lost to the market. I seriously thought I would never use any other CP for the rest of my career. Until now. I present to you the GerryDavis (DavisSports) DX Enduro D3O™️ CP. Directionally-shaped HDPE carapace plates (like the Cobalt and +POS Cobra) and the latest, most advanced formula of D3O result in a CP that is able to deftly absorb high-energy blows, yet still be 5/8ths of an inch thick. That’s it! If it’s not the lowest-profile of the low-profile CPs of the market, and the Champion P2xx tries to dispute that, then I can assure you – the HDPE plates are much stronger than the brittle Champion, and the D3O is dense, pliant, and resilient enough to tank those impacts better than some non-descript closed cell foam. Can you see the difference? I can feel it immediately… Just like its cousin, the DX Enduro has pec-pit (armpit) wings included (I remove mine), and has the ability to attach a hard-plate-infused abdominal extension (not included, but purchasable as an accessory, with cross-model compatibility with the DX family of CPs). And of course, like with any new and future GerryDavis CPs, it uses G-hooks. Look how tremendously sleek and simple that is! … and, I can wear one size of shirt for plate or base work!

Hi everyone, I'm starting training to be a little league umpire in my county pretty soon and figured joining a place like this would be a good idea. Looking forward to getting to know the folks here!

It is worth every penny of the $300 based on my very limited use so far(one scrimmage). It has a very low profile, is very light, is very comfortable, and so far I took a shot at 70mph and didn't feel anything. If it can hold up to 90mph or so then it will be my full time gamer from now on.

Wouldjalookatdat. White midsoles. How dapper. 👌🏼 Suck it softball, and ol’ farts with yer all-black shoes! This ain’t church ⛪️!

Oh sure, you take pictures in Palm Springs when we have sh^&&y weather.

One of my partners on my game on Saturday had a prototype of this CP and I must say it is very light and thin. The padding is super dense, but I guess it absorbs energy better than more traditional padding. The only downside is the price - $300.

I am a bit biased and really like the GDS CP (DX Enduro). I wore a version of this most of the last year for Varsity baseball without any complaints. Low profile and much less money for a great product. The addition of the D3O and G-hook only makes it that much better!

I'm going to work to almost even with F3 (or F5 in the 3/4 umpire system) if they are off the line, but never in front.

That's how I got my start 5 or 6 years ago. Enjoy the ride--and always be learning!

Lots of great umpires got their start in Little League! Hope you get some quality training and develop a passion for the craft. Welcome!

Welcome! Lots of great info here. You can learn a lot.

There will be a more economical version being released that is $130 MSRP. Same design characteristics but different foam technologies and slightly thicker. 2-3mm more off the top of my head.

I like the idea of treating it as a thrown ball, Although the rule tells us it's still a pitch. 2-28-4 A pitch ends when: the pitched ball is secured by the catcher comes to rest goes out of play becomes dead or the batter hits the ball (other than a foul tip) Funny how using this as an explanation, in a strange but logical way validates FED's D3K rule that interference must be intentional.

Always been taught 8-10' BEHIND (outfield side) where F3 sets up. If F3 is playing in (closer to HP), we should be 8-10' BEHIND the bag.

just looks like one of those old or new fangled bulky and protruding/puffed out version chest protectors to me.

ah. the old jason grimsley enters umpire room through ceiling to recover players corked illegal bat caper. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Cleveland_Indians_corked_bat_incident

A call to your conference coordinator immediately after the game is in order (and for us, it's mandatory for any and all ejections, so it's going to happen anyway.) I've got travel locks for my bag and padlocks for lockers, so that's how it'll be secured. Our area could be anything from our cars in a parking lot to a fully-stocked dressing room, but the thing is to make sure that we have physical control of the container. I'm not relying on the physical security the site provides (if any.)

You could have put a spoiler alert for those who haven't seen the movie...

Just picked these up. Jordan Aura 6. I really like them. They will be great on clean fields.

No, but as a coach I'd say it's just a good habit to have your pitcher step off to make the appeal. There are too many stupid things that can happen while engaged that can cause a legitimate balk (the appeal process can be confusing, distracting and simply unusual for the inexperienced), and there are too many umpires who believe the scenario you describe IS a balk. Right or wrong, just remove the variables. And if your code allows dead ball verbal appeals, use them.

It's the same in all codes. If a balk was called, it was incorrect; it's a common myth at the youth levels (and even among many HS umpires), so I'm not surprised you've seen it called.

Have you tried Hokas? Wow comfort. Cost a little more but you feel the difference

I was reading this thinking, everything sounds like some pretty good advice/guidance… then I got to the “one step in front”, and now I think someone misunderstood what they were told. It is really odd how something goes off the rails like that.

Being in front of F3 is insane. I was taught to be close enough to see his shoelaces, but it depends on how close to the line he is. The closer to the line, the further back you have to be. I hardly even think about it anymore. My body just seems to position myself where I'm supposed to be. Same with working the D position.

Sure a lot of MLB, D1, D2, D3, etc guys that are playing the A position wrong if they are supposed to be one step in front of F3.

Is he saying "one step in front of F3" as in closer to the plate? If so, that doesn't sound very safe, I want F3 in front of me so I know where he is going once the ball is in play. I would think U1 in front of F3 is a recipe for collisions with hot shots, heck even a routine grounder where U1 is stepping out and F3 is moving to the base could result in a collision. I may move up even with him if he is way off the line, but any chance that he can lay out for a line shot, I want that in front of me.

I agree with that 90% of the time. But the ones pictured work for me. The Jordan 1 have a nice size toe box

Come on fellas!! Got to have a little 'swag' on the field. I'm a Nike Golf shoe on the bases guy. Comfortable, waterproof (mostly) and they have a bit of style. Look sharp, be sharp. (Style I choose to wear is based on weather and field conditions)

Call the first (err, second) strike when they step out. Do a strike three mechanic (verbalizing it) and communicate the uncaught pitch. Wait for something to happen that will result in a call. Compare this to a steal of home, just a bit more confusing to everyone involved. Call the things in order as they happen.

Rule specifically states ball is live. Hypothetically, Batter can step out, pitcher can deliver a ball over the backstop, and BR would be awarded 1B.

Well… you know. You take the chicken and then, well you… you know

The problem with Nike is they aren't big fans of people who don't have narrow feet!