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So I just got a PM from Senor Azul this morning. He wanted me to pass on some information. It's true, he is battling some health issues. As of late, he hasn't felt like posting, but he does check in here from time to time. He says he hopes to feel better soon and maybe will post again in the near future. He does appreciate everyone's concern. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, and send good vibes his way. I'll keep in touch with him, and post updates at his discretion.

Just a quick update for those patiently waiting. First sets of pads and socks are expected sometime in late August-early September. Just in time for most of you to not need them for several months. The first socks (covers) will be offered in either a black/charcoal front with black microfiber suede or mesh back. Three different cores will be offered: 01: This has comparable characteristics and feel to Wilson Memory Foam pads. 02: This is the softest pad available and uses a multi-layer foam stack including D3O, EVA and Open Cell Foam (with a thin layer of EVA backing to improve moisture absorption resistance) 03: This has comparable feel to Team Wendy pads and how it feels is subject to ambient temperatures. It is a dual layer foam stack with D3O up front and a memory foam towards the face.

Working on it!

Yes, the Davis site is only Davis equipment and apparel and will be the only place to get our Limited Edition pieces and NASO Member benefits. Right now, it is in a minimally viable form. In the future it will have: More technical content Better content comparing various product lines Product breakdowns Memberships (yes they will provide value) Early access to new products It's all evolving in time but anything Davis branded is available there. Gerry Davis Sports remains a full retail experience.

Just arrived via UPS today: the limited edition “Kuta.” Same plates as the Enduro, with a different pad and color way. Same great quality coming from Derek and his team. Looking forward to strapping it on in 4 weeks!

It's an ineffective attempt to boost the search engine rankings of the authors website. Where they link to their site using "custom sports uniform". With that being said, I have my own beef. I’ve been umpiring for over 10 years now—mostly Little League and softball games—and something’s been really bugging me lately. We’re always chatting about strike zones, balk calls, and that one coach who won’t shut up (you know the type), but hardly anyone dives into how our chest protection gear—like the top-notch Davis DX Enduro D3O Umpire Chest Protector—actually impacts our safety and authority on the diamond. I swear, this is a way bigger deal than most of us realize—seriously, it could be game-changing. Just last tournament, I noticed half the crew rolling up without proper umpire chest protectors—some dudes were sporting those cheap knockoffs that look like they came from a garage sale. And let me tell you—the difference is huge. Before I switched to the Davis DX Enduro D3O, I got nailed by a foul tip that left me wheezing like a deflated balloon. But now? With that sweet D3O tech absorbing impacts—it’s like wearing a force field. Coaches and players see you geared up in premium sports officiating equipment, and bam—respect levels skyrocket. No more getting treated like a human piñata; it’s all about that pro vibe. This totally links to the massive umpire shortage we’re facing everywhere—new refs show up in flimsy baseball umpire gear that barely protects against a stiff breeze, and they bail after one bad beanball. If leagues shelled out for quality Davis DX Enduro D3O chest protectors right from the start—think how many more would stick around. Feeling invincible helps you own the field—and when a rookie ump feels bulletproof, they’re way less likely to quit over some sore ribs or bruised ego. What do you all think—time to upgrade your umpire protection essentials? /s

I would guess it has more to do with teams getting better at figuring out what to challenge and what not to challenge than the umpires missing calls at a higher rate. The main thing for those of us without replay is proper use of eyes. Slow down on bangers, and practice this when the infield warms up. See the ball from the fielder's hand, judge true throw or not, snap eyes to the bag, and then let your eyes travel to F3's glove to watch him pull it out. Do this over and over so you develop muscle memory so when a close play happens, the timing is deliberate and consistent.

I too thought it was nothing. The runner wasn't trying to advance, he diverted into a fielder who wasn't in his way in order to draw the OBS call. I consider that "self-hindrance" and not a violation. The player contacted was no longer part of the play, so I agree that this can't possibly be INT. I didn't see all of the contact, but I did not see anything remotely big enough for MC. On one hand, I have seen many umpires fail to call genuine OBS in poorly executed rundowns. So I am glad to see a crew alert to the possible violation. On the other hand, I hate to reward this kind of play with a call. It's the baseball equivalent of a flop in basketball.

It is an umpire site. Timing, timing, timing.

I'm back in the game after a several year hiatus. I've been using the F3 Defender for a few years as a men's league catcher, so it was a logical decision to replace my beat up steel Dyna-Lite with TW pads. Speaking as a catcher, the biggest adjustment to this mask was how much farther the bars were from my eyes compared with other traditional masks. Thankfully men's league pitchers aren't sitting 96 with a slider at 89. Having read the @MadMax At Face Value treatise, I'm intrigued by the next generation of magnesium masks by Davis. I don't at present, however, feel the need to possess two high dollar masks (plus the trusty Dyna-Lite) to work 15-20 high school games. This is probably not in the spirit of the U-E community but it is definitely in the spirit of staying married.

Even A YelloW Slug Can Be A Classic So I took on rebuilding an old Wilson WV Gold for a colleague who was introduced and has been smitten by the new Davis DX -family of CPs. We had him using and trialing one all summer. While he was using the DX, we arrived at the conclusion that I'd update / renovate his current Gold, and this is what I took it to... Since he's a Dodgers fan (ouch), I recommended something evocative of the Dodgers. I would not be able to replace the pad vest; I don't have an industrial sewing machine. His biggest appreciation of the Davis DX (theta unit he was trialing) was how low profile it was, especially at the shoulders T-hooks are evil and vile; G-hooks are the best solution. Took the entire carapace apart by removing all rivets, splines, and metal hardware. I went further, and rendered the seams connecting the main torso vest to the shoulder pauldron pads, since you'll see that I actually reconstruct each and every CP that cheats like this with an actual connecting spline. I also rendered the seams connecting the (far too plump) pec wings. Repainted it a dark grey (road greys!), and then rebuilt it, using nylon and polypropylene webbing, with royal blue rivets. Where I used aluminum Chicago screws, these are in spots where there's a lot of stress and/or the CP may need to be (further) modified, or that part repaired/replaced. From the backside, you'll see that I completely removed and deleted the terrible shoulder pauldron pads which, because they're way too thick and oversized, make the Gold look so bulky and hulking. Instead, I made my own shoulder pauldron pads from the unused (and superfluous) pauldron flaps from Schutt-Adams XV's. Half the thickness, half the weight, and because that's actual D3O you see (the orange color), much better performing. Also, because they're articulated, they conform to the shoulder perfectly instead of just sitting atop the shoulder like the Gold's sofa-cushion foam pads did. Detail on the reconstruction of the shoulder assembly. I run a 2" wide (at least) connecting spline between the shoulder arch plate and the pauldron plate. Then, the ailette (gap protector) is secured atop that. Rivets fasten the individual plates to the connecting splines, but the splines are always connected to the shoulder arch plate with Chicago screws, both to survive any stresses, and also for potential repositioning or repair ease. Almost done. I completely removed all the hardware associated with the T-hooks, and constructed two 1-1/2" webbing loops so as to utilize G-hooks You might also notice that there are now 3 rivets at the trailing section of the shoulder arch plate, so as to secure the D-ring thru which the harness is attached. Golds and Platinums typically use only 1 rivet (each side), and these D-rings have a very bad habit of turning within their webbing. By using more than 1 rivet, this keeps the webbing flat, and the D-ring cannot turn. Improves the fit. Completed unit, with the G-hooks placed on the harness, and secured into the anchor loops.

They will be released next week (at some point) to customers who have purchased the frame and then publicly about a week after that. As previous mentioned, here is what we're initially launching: 3 pad core options Tango2 Pad Core (01) - $34.99 D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core (02) - $49.99 D3O® Shear3 Pad Core (03) - $69.99 4 pad socks (covers) Black/Black Mesh - $24.99 Black/Black Microfiber Suede - $34.99 Charcoal/Black Mesh - $29.99 Charcoal/Black Microfiber Suede - $39.99 *Pricing: This is standalone MSRP pricing. I do not know how pricing looks when combined with the frame, combined as a set, or when multiple cores/socks are purchased yet. Pricing for whomever has purchased the frame will be discounted and sent via email. The concept for all the pad cores is similar they but the complexity and the materials are different. Most modern traditional padding, with the very notable exception of Team Wendy, is a two-layer system. Typically a medium density EVA and a softer open cell for comfort. EVA is doing the vast majority of impact protection, with the other half of the pad primarily for comfort and contributes minimal resistance. I need to say that these pads have not been tested in a laboratory and none of my claims are scientific or absolute but here is what we used in theory to develop these cores. Multi-Layer Energy Absorption: Instead of one or two thick layers doing all the work until it is hits maximum compression, we have multiple thinner layers each operating in a more optimal range, progressively managing the impact without any single point of failure or sudden escalation of force. More layers working in sequence means the impact takes longer to transmit through the entire system. Even an extra 2-3 milliseconds of deceleration time makes a significant difference in peak force. Graduated densities ensure smooth force transmission rather than abrupt transitions between each layer. Density Grading: Impedance is how much a material resists the transmission of shock waves. It's determined by density and how fast waves travel through the material. Dense materials have high impedance, soft materials have low impedance. With densities stepping down (outside to inside), each transition has a smaller impedance mismatch. More of the shock wave continues traveling through each boundary rather than reflecting backward. When energy reflects at impedance boundaries, it stays in the stiffer outer materials or frame, potentially causing higher peak forces and vibration. Graduated impedance allows energy to distribute through the entire padding thickness for better overall energy absorption. Load Distribution: The front of the pad socks are made from EVA molded to specifically fit the Mirage 12 (they also fit some other traditional wire frame designs) creating a strong form fit with the frame and offering a solid backing for the hdpe plate. As the plate bends under a frame bar, it creates a curved depression. This curve naturally spreads the force. The foam isn't just compressed directly under the bar, but also in the surrounding area where the flexed plate pushes into it. Instead of narrow 5-6mm pressure lines directly under each bar, the flexing plate creates a much broader compression zone. Our pads cores are roughly between 20-30% thinner then most pads on the market but each mm is active protection. This additional functional cushioning translates to meaningfully longer impact duration and lower peak forces transmitted. Nothing here is revolutionary, just more thoughtful design and better materials. Tango2 Pad Core This is a dual-foam pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads. Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm The outer most foam towards the frame is EVA. It is a medium density and common to other pads on the market but it helps keep down the weight and offers solid protection at a more economical price point. Our medium density viscoelastic foam makes up close to 70% of the pad. When impacted it stays compressed, maintaining its deformed state well through the impact duration helping with distributing the load over time rather than creating a sharp force spike. Instead of storing energy elastically and returning it back toward the frame, this foam converts most impact energy into heat and internal friction. It's the most economical pad and in theory should perform above levels of most pads currently available on the market especially with the distribution plate. Like all pads using viscoelastic foams, these pads get more comfortable the warmer the ambient temperature is. D3O® Cloud4 Pad Core This is a quad-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads. Bottom pad core 35mm, Top pad core 30mm Uses a combination of D3O, various density EVA and a medium density PU foam. (The top pad substitutes D3O with Covalta - our proprietary chemically cross-linked foam) The two first foams in the laminate do the bulk of the energy absorption passing the remaining energy through the medium density foam which is then backed by a soft EVA for comfort and to provide better moisture resistance. This is the softest pad available and is better suited to lower ambient temperatures and individuals who prefer a softer more predictable feel on the face. D3O® Shear3 Pad Core This is a tri-layer pad with a semi-flexible 1mm HDPE plate on both the top and the bottom pads. Bottom pad core 34mm, Top pad core 30mm Uses a combination of D3O, a medium-high density viscoelastic foam and the medium viscoelastic foam used in the Tango2 pad core. This pad does not include any comfort enhancements and is best suited in ambient temperatures above 65 degrees where the pads become softer. On paper these are the most protective pad cores and offer the lowest resilience and highest levels of energy dissipation.

Looking back over the summer, I worked thirty plate games with the D3O across two professional leagues and one collegiate wooden bat league. I took two shots directly to the chest and five to the right shoulder/clavicle area. I feel like the protection is solid and I never had any loss of confidence. In my opinion, the low profile appearance is its best feature. Every game from this summer was streamed with a solid center field camera view and the look is so solid. Gone are the days of looking like the lead blocker on a sweep play in Southwest Conference. For the last 20+ years umpires have been buying the West Vest if they could afford it. I honestly don't know how you'd pick a Wilson chest protector if you knew about the D30. Godspeed, @DerekGDS. I hope you're able to get the word out.

Internally, MSRP is still showing $230. So there is no official change. With that being said it is likely a sale price or price testing. Yes, early adopters will still get first dibs, discounts (equal to what the price would have been if it was sold with the mask) and free shipping on the pads when they are available.

A sneak peek since I feel like we're getting down the home stretch here. The pads are a two part system. Covers/socks (outer) Cores/padding (inner) Initially, the cover will only be offered in black/black. The front is a fabric covered molded EVA foam and towards the face is a synthetic suede. Eventually, these will be offered in a multitude of color options and fabrics choices. The concept being simply remove the core, and swap it into a different cover based on your preference/style that day. Have a bunch of covers and a couple of cores depending on how much you like to switch it up. The front strap has loop so you can stick on your favorite Wilson yellow 'W' patch. There are plans right now for 3 cores. Only one will be released initially which will be vaguely labeled as #2 for now. All of this is still subject to change a bit. #1 - This core will most closely resemble the Wilson Memory Foam pads but are not made purely of a memory foam. It has a 1mm HDPE plate and then is comprised of a 3 layer laminate including two types of EVA foam and memory foam towards the face. #2 - This core is a compromise on performance and weight using multiple materials include D3O, our cross-linked foam and EVA. Like #1 it also includes 1mm HDPE plates and is die cut to reduce weight. #3 - This core is the most dense and like #2 will be die cut to reduce weight as much as possible. It again is a laminate that includes D3O, different density memory foams. For TW folks who like placing bricks on their face, this might be the go to.

So with a day off and the rest of the family getting ready to depart for their spring break sojourn, I thought it would be "fun" to get them started with a ballgame with dear old Dad. So, we caught a nice minor league game today. I certainly "enjoyed" it... Before I get to my "performance", part of what I like about going to an A-League game is that those games are umpired with 2-man crews so, it's a chance to see high level 2-man up close. My kids are casual baseball fans at best so, on the way to the game they're asking me questions like who is my favorite player, who the best players are, how good is this team, who is going to win, etc...all of which I answer by putting on my sunglasses, starting the car, staring into the distance and saying, "Those are good questions. I don't know...I'm here for the umpires." (That needs to be a shirt, btw...) So when PU comes out to brush the plate at the start of the game, there's a lull there which I proceed to fill with, "Wow...I mean...look at that guy brush that plate! I haven't seen a plate brushed like that since Doug Harvey worked the plate at Three Rivers Stadium in 1973! Now...I wonder if this guy is using a Libman 1030? Or maybe that's a Lehman's Amish special...it's so hard to tell these days..." Later, on a routine rotation to third base, "Kids! Look at that! Look...at that...rotation right there! Gettin' all the way into the cut like that?!?!? Like a Boss?!?! That...is how they do that! These umpires, man! I'm havin' a moment right here..." Good times, brothers...get out to your local A-League ballpark soon! Good seats still available! ~Dawg

Greetings brothers...I've been "feeling those negative waves again, Moriarity" so, I need to take a moment here and reset myself with the kindness and goodness that baseball can bring us every once in awhile. (That quote is a reference to the 1970 cinematic masterpiece "Kelly's Heroes" featuring Donald Sutherland in one of my favorite roles as "Oddball" a dirty hippie tanker in WWII trying to "liberate" the town of Clermont in France. An all-star cast...check it out.) Yesterday, I'm working a 13U youth travel double which are always a challenge for the players because for most of them it's their first experience on the big field and their first experience with playing a double header. Temps were up and players were clearly not properly hydrated so, they learned that lesson, too. Santa Umpire brought us not one, but TWO gifts yesterday...we had the red team versus the blue team and blue only had 11 players while red had 15. Red quickly established their dominance in the first game. We are playing 7 innings and no new after 2 hours. Fast forward and we have finished 4 innings (not bad considering) and we are 12 minutes from no new inning. Blue Team are the visitors and their HC steps on the field and says, "Yeah, let's move to the next game, please Blue..." No objection from Red's HC and we tell them we're going for a break and to change and we'll be back as quick as we can and get it going again. We get back 15 minutes later, get game 2 started and we play for about 50 minutes. We had Blue's F2 totally beet red in the face with exhaustion, complaining about knee pain who was then swapped out followed by a series (7 or 8?) of routine fly balls and ground balls that should have resulted in outs being made. Again, Blue HC steps on the field and says, "Line it up! I've got ice cream for you in my truck..." I love baseball. I love umpiring. And I hope all of you do, too. Do I like extra inning games and not getting more pay? No. Do I like working scholastic scrimmages and not getting paid for 5 hours of work plus the drive? No. Do I like waiting out ran delays? No. Do I take the field hoping that something like the above happens so, I can get full fees without working full games? Also...no. Brothers, never forget that this life and our existence is all cosmic, man. Totally cosmic...and that includes baseball. Sometimes we (the umpires) take care of The Game and sometimes, if we are patient and we work hard and give our best...The Game...takes care...of...us. Hey, you might even get an ice cream from a kind and generous coach who knows how to read a room. ~Dawg

The one thing I can say of the years I worked small diamond games, is, you’ll see more crazy stuff that you won’t see in high school every day. The little guys helped me learn obstruction, interference, base path calls… all kinds of crazy stuff. Then that once in a while you see it on HS or above. It’s like “I got this”.

I don't feel piled on. I understand and appreciate the critique offered here. That's why I posted! I have subsequently discovered that this HC is a good friend (former college teammate) of an umpire in our association. To @MadMax's point, this umpire says this coach specifically moves a RH batter into the LH batter's box to shield F2's view for delayed steals. I think, in my case, the team was doing this as a test with the leadoff hitter - I believe other umpires (like me) have incorrectly tried to prohibit the practice and he wanted to see how (or IF) I was going to rule on the practice. I failed, obviously. ☹️ I will say this: I don't know of a FASTER way to learn the rules than being on the field, realizing you don't completely KNOW a rule, and discover immediately afterwards that you flubbed it!! It's far from being ideal or preferred, but nothing burns it in your memory more than the absolute embarrassment of mishandling it.

I'm currently at Wendelstedt Umpire School and @DerekGDS is here with demo equipment for us students to try out, naturally also including the DX Enduro D3O. I'm speaking mainly for me personally (currently an All Star Cobalt user), but I've heard pretty much the same from everyone else who tried out the D3O so far. I am super impressed by it. I almost forgot that I'm wearing it, because it's so light and it fits just perfect. I almost didn't want to give it back 😅 I am seriously considering buying it, despite still being quite happy with my Cobalt (well, except the fit around my shoulders) and it still being in great shape.

I've finally completed a laundry list of software updates some of which were very over due. For the geeks, this upgrade included: Newer version of PHP Conversion of the databases from MyISAM to InnoDB Multiple security updates So I am again allowing new registrations to the site. Please note. This upgrade is in preparation for a new full version of the software in February. Going from 4.7.X to 5.0 in February. I've skimmed through the change logs and the only thing which will directly impact users seems to be that members will no longer be able to log in with their username they must use their email. I will send a couple of email reminders out to all members before I launch this upgrade.

In my experience, this is level-dependent. Might work well in games where the kids aren't shaving yet, but it'll get you the wrong reputation (unapproachable) at higher levels. Sometimes, they're just trying to get a feel for your zone, and other times they're arguing balls and strikes. It's usually easy to tell the difference. "Steve, did you have that down?" is quite different from, "Where was that?" Tone of voice will also give it away. But answering, "I have a ball" makes you sound rigid and obstinate. College coaches expect you to work with them, within limits, and stonewalling them like this will deter from having at least a civil relationship, especially beyond just that one game.

Just a reminder, guys... @DerekGDS and I came up with this system of "Cores & Socks" because: The anecdotal direction (or advisement) of "change your mask pads yearly" has next-to-no technical basis. Far more often than not, the innards of mask pads – the cores – are intact and will continue to perform adequately for (multiple) years. Surely, the skins / casings – the socks (in our current lingo) – take all the abuse that would intrinsically "age" or render the mask pads no longer effective. The sweat, the grime, the dirt, the tobacco juice, the UV rays, the heat, the cold, etc. The materials (the foams, et. al.) used on mask pads and on chest protectors & shinguards are all largely the same... so why are mask pads advised to be changed yearly, but not the other units? Surely, then, it can't be a temporal (time) thing... it must be an "exposure" thing... If anything ages Core material more rapidly, it's exposure to detergents and all those activities involved with cleaning. So if mask pads need to be cleaned to be "effectively presentable", then the best method is to separate the outer casing from the core. So we did exactly that. The casings – the socks – can be separated from the cores, and washed repeatedly, or replaced outright, without affecting the cores. If the anecdotal direction is based on time, then surely you want to use your mask pads as often as possible. So a set of pads just sitting on a (spare) mask frame are "aging out", too, right? Without you even using them? So, with our method, you can have multiple socks, in a variety of fabrics and colors (or readiness of cleanliness), then encase your one set of cores and optimize / maximize the use of them. Additionally, manufacturers currently have to factor in that traditional mask pads may sit in storage / warehouse for prolonged periods of time, simply because they're in a color or fabric type of little appeal to the market (pink? black leather?). As such, the "engineering effort" on the core structures and materials hits the lowest common denominator... which is where we get the typical sofa cushions on your face. With our method, the cores can be the best-engineered pieces on the market, optimized to be put into immediate use (instead of sitting on a shelf or in a warehouse somewhere), and effective for a prolonged span of time, with the latitude to change colors / fabric with ease. Am I going to spend $50-$65 on a set of "special edition" pads to use on a game on a special event (Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Canada Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, etc.)? When I already have a set of pads in black? Probably not. Would I spend $20-$25 if it meant using (all) my existing gear, and looking completely dapper for the event game? Oh heck yes. I'm especially looking forward to not having 5 masks anymore! Just 2, with two sets of cores... and anywhere between 6-8 different sets of socks. 😎 So! That's the story... go out there, use this system, it was made with you – all of yoU – in mind. Other colors are coming, and I'm sure Derek has a cavalcade of fabrics on his list...

That is my actual goal. Why don't hippies make good umpires? (They call every pitch high.)

Davis Apex

To clarify, take a look at the photo below. The shirt on the top has a structured collar that allows it is to maintain an upright shape. The shirt on the bottom connects the collar directly to the body and everything lays much more flat and a bit sloppy. Buttoning one or two of the buttons may fix this or look for a shirt that has a structured collar and you wont have exposure issues.

… for umpires. I’m not correcting you, merely clarifying. The Mirage was designed for umpires first and foremost. I’ve seen other “for umpire” masks used by catchers, such as the Diamond iX3-UMP (which has that tell-tale cap-button crown guard), and I will often twist my face at them (“How can you trash an umpire’s mask like that? There’s plenty of options for catcher-specific models!”), but ultimately, there’s nothing preventing them from doing so. On the other hand, the Mirage would likely confound a catcher, with the XCG annoyingly getting in the way of a good, habitual chin-tuck. We have no problem with that. As others have said, it all comes down to sightlines. The FM4K planform optimized geometric protection (Method 1 of 3); an impact’s energy is deflected as much as possible so it doesn’t hit squarely (perpendicularly). As such, the FM4K’s forehead section is ramped rather steeply – not an issue for catchers wearing their skullcaps backwards. All-Star never bothered to make the FM4K in titanium, because A) they could achieve similar lightweight-ness by using shaped hollow steel, arranged in a deflective geometry, and B) they could produce it at a much more affordable price-point in steel, comparative to its survivability. So when All-Star commissioned the first die-cast magnesium mask, the Rampage planform was produced first, primarily as a physics / process exercise. Once witnessing and securing the process, All-Star adapted the FM4K planform to be rendered into magnesium. As a consequence of how the forehead section is shaped, they had to do the molds in two separate sections, welded together via steel inserts at the injection points – thus the ear tabs. The Rampage planform was retained by the manufacturer, and secured by Champro who ordered a production run. Despite how lightweight and “bend-or-break-less” the two are, they suffer from one particular characteristic – in order to resist impact stress, weld-free, the bars are rather deep (or broad, if you will). This makes them incredibly strong, but they create a “valley” effect, like you’re looking up in a valley, trench, or steep ravine, or looking through the vanes of shutters. Most catchers can overcome it, or be at ease with it, some can’t. With this in mind (amongst other things), @DerekGDS set to designing the Mirage reductively – that is to say, he roughed out the dimensions, and then pared back the bar depth, virtually shaving off more and more resin (on the prototypes), and then testing them to failure. Yeah, he went through a lot of resin prototypes, but what he achieved was the thinnest bars he could, able to withstand 140mph+ of impact. Catchers masks – which the FM4K steel & mag are, let’s not kid ourselves – are made to survive impact frequency. Tossed on the ground, thrown into dugouts, smooshed in gear bags, and hit by baseballs in a variety of velocities. An umpire mask, well taken care of, is only going to take those big impacts infrequently. As such, we want to produce a mask that is optimized for excellent visibility and survivability vs high-velocity impacts.

Guys ... I just stumbled on this post and want to chime in to clarify. I was the one who designed and build UmpireBible.com, owned and maintained it for almost ten years, and then sold it just over two years ago. The purchasers had bit plans for the site (so they told me), but not a thing has changed since then. My last act was to update the rules to the '24 book, but then signed off. It doesn't appear that anyone is babysitting the site, let alone making the effort to keep the rules updated. That's a shame, but I have no control, obviously, nor influence. I still believe it's one of the best online umpire training resources out there. It's unfortunate, though, that they've evidently gone full ghost on the site, and that consequently the rules are falling ever so slightly out of sync. BTW, I've retired from umpiring (and everything else, for that matter :)) and I've dropped my membership here at the Empire, so I hope this message comes through. Nick G. (nickg@live.com)

You didn't have an umpire.

Ordered the Gerry Davis, tacked on a couple of shirts and got free shipping, thanks for the input!!!

If you're working solo, then by definition it can't be high stakes.

I appreciate that but this community and the larger community in general have helped immensely in the direction, feedback and in many cases with product concepts. @wolfe_man was instrumental with design feedback on our earliest DX Mk1 and Apex project and donated a ton of time to help us iterate on the initial concepts. @MadMax has been a test dummy, provided design thoughts, feedback and the upcoming mask pad concept is his idea. @concertman1971 helped immensely field testing the DX Enduro D3O and Mirage 12. He is probably also responsible for most of the sales to SoCal for them. Everyone else who has chimed in with feedback and or helped with field testing including @Razzer, @tpatience, @spiffdawg7. Thank you. If I forgot you, my apologies but I appreciate you as well.

A number of my colleagues and other Umperials (members of U-E) favor the pec wings. @DerekGDS made certain to use an actual HDPE hard plate (“biscuit”), backed by Crosslink foam, and using a soft & highly effective hook-&-loop attachment. They’re the perfect, purposed shape and thickness to not be intrusive, yet be protective. I myself don’t use them because of my plate stance. Strap-keeps. Very handy. G-hooks. Unlike steel T-hooks, which come from the football equipment realm, G-hooks are aluminum, so they don’t rust (corrode). Since they don’t rust, they don’t develop a sharp edge, and when impacted, they don’t cut your (expensive) shirt. Also, since they’re so simple, and they’re not plastic, they won’t break like a side-release buckle (SRB). SRBs are very convenient… until they’re not… because one broke on an impact. Then it becomes a major headache to repair or replace. What’s really nifty is that a G-hook itself can replace a SRB! With all the benefits and longevity, at noticeably lower cost. In fact, I would argue that the All-Star Cobalt, with a near-effortless replacement of the SRBs by G-hooks, becomes a dramatically better and consistently fitting CP. If anyone wants to try this, and wants to know which G-hooks to order in and how to remove the SRBs, please contact me. It has to be orange because that is the inherit color of the D3O foam itself. Other DX and CoreShield CP models will have contrasting color accents in these key locations, too. GDS was persuaded to do that contrasting color on the hook loops based on the TrailHawk trim package of select Jeep models. Once you see em, ya can’t miss em. AKA ailette. Shoulder protection is typically comprised of 2-3 parts: the shoulder arch, the pauldron, and the ailette. The original Riddell Power and Douglas WestVest did not have ailettes, owing to the simplicity of the joint between arch and pauldron. However, once CPs started to use (weak) elastic splines to connect the pauldron to the arch, they would incorporate a shaped plate to protect that variable gap – an ailette. Often, other manufacturers would just use basic shapes, or repurposed shinguard parts, to be ailettes. GDS made sure to make a very purposeful shape of HDPE – which holds its curved shape longer. The harness is quite effective. Much better than anything the other manufacturers standard-equip their CPs with. I can’t claim that. Today, in fact, I got smashed by a foul-off at 102mph (we checked TrackMan), that hit right at the chestplate–arch joint. Upon checking the bruise a few hours later, it is right over my collarbone. I felt the mass of the blow, but no pain. And obviously, the damage would have been catastrophic. Oh, and this was in 85° and some humidity. The DX Enduro wasn’t a labor to wear, at all.

This is just like your wife giving you that "come to bed" look; only to tell you, "not tonight."

We plan on offering every frame we make as is. Obviously when we finish developing our pads we will offer them bundled (and if you purchase before we offer pads and want them we’ll offer them discounted and free shipping for folks who do want to pick them up) but have no plans on forcing it. Use what pads and harness you want/like!

DITTO THAT!!! I've worked 2 plates since receiving my Mirage12, and I am blown away!! Moving (most recently) from the FM4K MAG (and previous to that a DynAlum.) This is the first mask that I've felt confident in not using a DTG due to the beautifully designed XCG. Just the slightest tuck of the chin and my mask taps my chest - providing assurance that I am, in fact, protected. Not having a floppy DTG makes handling/carrying/stowing the mask so much easier and eliminates a few more ounces from an already ultralight package. The biggest WOW factor is the field of vision!! I didn't realize how accustomed I had become to the view from behind my FM4K MAG. I can see better in every direction, hands down. Thanks to the efforts put into this design, thanks for the open communication on this forum! Fantastic work to all who had a hand in this!

For all the ones that had a hand in designing and making this one happen… THANK YOU!!!! no stones left unturned!!! @DerekGDS @wolfe_man @MadMax @concertman1971

Filled a square on the umpire bingo card last night. 1 out. R2,R3. I’m in “C” D3K. F2 fires to 1B, out there. F3 races home, F2 can’t handle it, ball squeaks by him. I’m on my way to 3B area as I have an over zealous R2 rounding third who’s thinking about scoring. He sees F2 gather the ball, he puts on the brakes about 15-20 down the line and starts heading back to 3rd. I’m in a good spot for the throw to third, F2 cocks the arm, and…..here comes R3, who already scored, evidently heading to his dugout, cutting right in front of F2 as he’s ready to fire to third. “WOAH… Time! (Point at the scored runner) That’s interference, (pointing to r2) you! You’re out! The cool part was, the call was so instinctual and easy to process, and not a peep from the offensive bench. The funny part was the look on my PU’s face standing flat footed 1BLX with a WTF just happened look on his face. 🤣

I've got obstruction. F3 in the path without the ball. All codes. He did not enter that area because the throw "took him there" He set up there. Call it Sell it Be ready to explain using rulebook terminology. Would have been nice to see BU get a step or two towards the play...Or maybe turn his head and see what was going on before the throw got there.

If you use the All Star Cobalt CP, do yourself a favor. Go to your local big box retailer. You have 2 choices, team orange or team blue. Buy some blue loctite. Unscrew the 2 binding post screws holding each pauldron to the main vest. Make sure you don't lose the back. Add a couple drops of blue loctite to each screw and reinsert. If you use the lower extension, do the same thing for the 2 binding post screws in the center. Golly gee, why should you do this? Allow me to explain. Thursday, I was going through my gear and realized that one of the binding post screws, which holds said pauldron onto my cp, was missing. Did I have blue loctite in my workshop? YES. Did I use it? NO. I did, however, order replacement binding post screws from that online shopping company that has the smile in their logo. They arrived Saturday, while I was on the field....which brings me to why you should do this and thank me. During the third inning, I feel something sliding down my shirt sleeve. What could it be? Oh yeah, the pauldron that I thought would be OK until I got home to add the screw back onto it. Lost the other screw. Had to switch out my CP mid inning. Glad I had a backup. Just loctite the screws. You're welcome. That is all.

The way I handle this in game situations- when the batter takes off for 1b, reiterate “Batter’s out! Batter’s out!” If he keeps running, and the defense throws, it’s on them.

I recently bought 2 sets of pants. 2 base and 2 plate. I took them to the tailor and only tried one set on for hemming. It turns out that somehow a size 38” was in the 34” package. I discovered this at the game. I emailed UA on Saturday night. Courtney replied Sunday morning to say they were shipping a new pair and to donate the other pair of pants. Found a first year guy that can use them. This is why they are the best. Thanks UA.

Not “bush league” at all. It’s a veritable tactic, and with how… “vigorously” (?) some clubs / programs alert and adjust themselves when faced with a LHB to defend it, it’s worth utilizing. Didn’t Tsun Szu say something about inducing panic in your enemy, and let them defeat themselves? Say you’re a HS team, behind by a run, and you’ve got R1. Instead of bunting, why not try this? Send your next batter up to get in the LHB box. This shields the R1 from F2’s sight, reducing backpicks, and gives R1 a “screened” jump against F2’s throw. Then, once your Runner is standing on 2B, switch your Batter back to RHB box. If your Batter is well coached or disciplined, he’ll reduce his chances of BI when R2 steals 3B. Once standing on 3B (now R3), you can have the Batter stay RHB, and potentially set up a steal of Home, or a safety squeeze. Or, switch the Batter back to LHB and increase your chances that a ball put in play to the right side of the infield will score R3. See the game within the game? All legal. Not shenanigans. Please understand @UAME, I’m hot heaping on ya, but do you now see how much we dig our heels in when we don’t know the rules comprehensively? That, when confronted with the very situation that we only have a marginal, tenuous knowledge or understanding of, how defensive and inflexible we get? We (the umpire community) do a 💩 job of demonstrating and explaining the Rules for the… not “a”, the variety of learning types in the landscape of umpires that will be upholding those Rules. How ‘bout a diagram? How ‘bout a web article, with photos/illustrations? How ‘bout a video? No no! We’re far more perseverating on determining that eye-black is gang intimidation (how ‘bout some photos or illustrations?), and cramming that in the latest one printing per year paper tome of the year! At least NCAA has a digital version, emailed updates & notices, and the videos ta boot. That should be, in this day and age, a minimum standard.

Just a quick update for folks waiting patiently. I expect the first set of pads to be released by the end of the month at the latest. I will follow up with technical specifics for those interested but here are some shots of the final product. Pads will also be available in black and there is a pad skin/cover that is microfiber suede instead of mesh.

The important lessons I have learned about hydration since having kidney stones 5 years ago... 1) You can't just pack a bunch of water and drink that during the game. Hydration starts 24 hours prior to game time. Given the number of games I work, this means I have water or Gatorade at my side AT ALL TIMES and I am sipping every few minutes throughout each day leading into a game. 2) My personal rule is...if I don't bring fluids home, I didn't take enough fluids. I also make sure to drink water and or Gatorade on the way home. 3) A bucket full of ice and water with a chamois cloth is very refreshing on a hot day. 4) When I am on the bases and the temp is 90+, I do NOT wear an undershirt. (This will show sweat stains so, choose your times and places carefully.) 5) As important as hydration is, so is food. Nothing heavy, not a big portion. But, in between games, my go to snacks are: a turkey and cheese sandwich, apples, bananas, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, protein/granola bar and trail mix. 6) Take care of yourself and take care of your partner. Watch for inattentiveness and unusually low energy such as failing to rotate...check with them. Was that a rotation? Why or why not? (It's not about the missed rotation, it's about assessing your partner's cognitive function and their ability to continue to be on the field.) If you are unsure, just remember...you should be the one to call your partner's significant other/family if they suffer a serious medical situation so, try to get your partner off the field before that is necessary so you don't have to make that phone call. ~Dawg

There’s another video (it’s on the refmasters site) that shows a higher wider angle and looks to me like U3. Called it , and very well may have influenced by the 3BC. I think PU was acknowledging U3’s call. My two cents? I hope if I’m ever on a state final and see something like this I have the wherewithal to process this, ignore 3BC and come up with a safe sign and a loud, verbal, “Thats nothing”.

I ain’t got one yet 😂. Probably wouldn’t though, been less barbaric lately