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Now, how do I get rid of the rust, corrosion, squeaks, and pops from my knees?

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.

Say goodbye to metal rings & those stupid clips! Say sayonara to side-release buckles (SRBs) and the potential repair / replacement hassles! G-hooks. G-hooks are the answer: It does involve destroying the existing fastener (plastic SRBs are killed best with a diagonal shear / cutter; metal D-rings with a heavy-gauge wire cutter or thin-gauge bolt cutter). But as long as you leave the webbing loops intact, the G-hooks have something to secure to. They're lower profile, monstrously strong, very light, and since they're aluminum, won't corrode (rust) nor squeak.

I really don't enjoy it when a coach asks the plate umpire, "Where was that one?" or "Where did you have that?" or anything having to do with where the location of the previous pitch was. Whether the coach is aware of it or not (and...they are) the message they are sending is that they think the plate umpire missed a strike. I also find this more common the younger the players are. I simply do not see this at the Varsity level and above in my market. This summer at Cooperstown, we were discussing this around the campfire one night and someone simply said, "Stop...stop doing that, brother." I said, "What? Excuse me? Stop doing what?" He continued, "Stop telling them where you had the pitch..." and I looked around at our other brothers there and I followed up with, "Ok, so...what do/should we say when we asked where we had that pitch?" And without hesitating he simply smiled and said, "Tell them, 'Coach, I have a ball.' Eventually, they will figure it out and stop asking you. If they continue asking you, you tell them, 'Coach, we're not doing this.' and then issue them a ball/strike warning." Well, brothers that was several months ago and I have returned to my market and have rolled out this mechanic with great success. I typically have the above exchange once in the first inning with each team and then...I don't hear anything about it for the rest of the game. ~Dawg

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.

Very sound advice. If you keep answering, they will keep asking. If the question doesn't get an answer, they won't ask the question.

just in case you did not know a little after 3 from New York https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-umpires-for-the-2025-world-series-presented-by-capital-one-announced?msockid=1a97cbea85ee625b0460dd6484fe633a where is Tumpane man on this forum. know he is happy. it was worth the wait. if by chance their is a sweep going on in the process, guess who will have game 4. Yep, Mr. Tumpane. @834k3r might be Tumpane man.

Though coming from the other end of the level of play spectrum than @grayhawk I'm in agreement: it's situational so read the room. Just had it last week in a 14U LL Fall ball game. I know the coach. These are true development players. He asked where it missed in a good tone. I can tell he's trying to figure out what coaching cues to give F1 to find the plate. "Not hearing" the question in the first place is another tool as well.

Did you use these? https://www.amazon.com/LUORNG-Backpack-Hardware-Carabiners-Adjustable/dp/B09NVSG6Z4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=PAT5VXP7PUPF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RTvsxfdBNMD37i7p09UtKJvKuDCkQzher8u5hn8yj_K7oLKpAz2Euk3wrTDnLTGEfoS_2rD59z-6D4o7Nin5tagR3OZh61pw64x3Mstr8Oe9QfAyRAlSTsZ1A6s48G3Bo8u3-VhRYmMADQ9RTStHII_ZVCM0V6yrrvEBAloE3hhc_IA4-ULNj7Aa0Sz0Il1RKXD5ryXv5CdTonP8eK8lnBCwncCdD7qfbehizEdu9_YU-sEdzy_XYlj-jvgB0nu_Oz3xZ3GX5W_93vZf2RXJWDsKYH25rH7MKI23IqXwERM.Q9Lxc4deZoShg-TxztM0Qnz--B9UsGoJKrwc14Wgsf8&dib_tag=se&keywords=aluminum+g+hooks&qid=1761249452&sprefix=aluminum+g+hooks%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-2

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.

LC Ump has given you the correct advice. Biggest priorities Clear the catcher Follow the ball adjust for a play, and make sure you're out of the throwing lane.

I've been taught to drop step and "open the gate" for the catcher to side he goes to retrieve the ball, just like you would on a foul pop. Keep the "gate" open and hold on to the point of plate while checking the status of the ball to make sure it hasn't gotten lodged or gone out of play. If the ball ends up right or left of the side of your initial step, you can take another drop step to get square to where the catcher's throw will be coming from but otherwise hold on to the point of plate From there you should be out of the catcher's throwing lane and able to track the fielder covering the plate (most likely the pitcher). As the throw happens use whatever read steps needed to get yourself into the "wedge" and your eyes into the "window" to make the call.