Jeff C.

Yep, 6 straight. My assignor likes to see us attend camps, clinics and this is the only one that is close enough for me to afford. Still a great camp though.

Good for you. My schedule has been full since December! The first game is supposed to be 3/24. We'll see.

If it's the first time I've seen the teams or coaches, I like to know if the coach is a knothead or has some idear of what he is doing. I like to listen to classic rock in my truck, as loud as I can stand it, on the way to the game site. Boston, AC DC, ZZ Top, Aerosmith are what I'm talking about. It tends to get my old blood flowing. I occasionally work with a guy that likes the same stuff and he plays it in his car while we are getting ready.

In my area of Meechigan, heather gray pants are still worn alot. I still wear it also. I've seen polywools, Gerry Davis, Smitty's charcoals (I wear these alot. I like'em.) It's mostly navy blue and any light blue shirt (we match trim colors). I agree with Matt on the shoes. I've never heard anyone complain or get in trouble about white on the shoes. I wish we could wear black shirts. because here in the spring, that would be great (and it's my favorite shirt). Most guys I work with wear either black or navy undershirts. I see red undershirts occasionally and once a year I will see white. I'm not a uniform fashionista, I wear what the state mandates. I keep it clean and professional looking. Hell, I work with a guy that has a PAINTED HSM and he has worked a state quarterfinal game. It's painted like a hockey goalies mask.

We have a wind chill of -37 right now. That's after 16" of snow. I wish it was 0 right now!

They are yours 3rdGEN. PM me an address and I will get them out this week.

Jealous! My first is the end of March. See you @ SEMUC Matt.

I have two pairs. 1 base, 1 plate. Both are Honig's brand . The base pair has started to fade a bit. If anyone would like these, they are free with free shipping. If you know of someone new starting out, these would be ok. 36x32.

My SWMBO just called me @ work and said to meet her @ Honig's. I'm needing some stuff and she said I want you to get it, you need it. I'm getting my first poly-wools (base and plate) and a Majestic Therma Base! I tell you what, she is good to me. I'm as giddy as a schoolboy on his first date!

EXACTLY!

PU has to make some kind of effort to get out from behind the plate, calling to his partner that it is his ball. If he does this and lets everyone know it wasn't a catch, most or all of the mess is gone. Since he didn't, call time, move the players and coach away from you and your partner and discuss the sitch. It was a force play at third, so that would be one out. Your partner is going to have to decide if the runner is out @ second. Batter-runner is safe @ first unless we have a DP and three outs. Then prepare for a visit from the other coach cause he ain't gonna be happy. Communication between the two umpires would have GREATLY improved this situation. That's what I would have done.

Good for you Hawk!

Dumbdumb you hit the nail on the head about vb. When you get two good varsity or for that matter jv teams, the game is extremely quick. Stuff happens so fast around the net, that you must be concentrating to find the violations. And all of the overlapping and illegal alignment stuff, that can be very confusing. I'm in my 6th year and just now feel comfortable about the game. I also enjoy it now more than when I started because I understand it better. I was a lost little puppy for the first three years. I was working hard to improve but boy was I frustrated.

+1. It pains me greatly also. Perhaps the other 1% is envious, jealous? I don't have the answer, just conjecture.

I've seen this with other umpires. What's your reason for doing this? I do this too. I do it just to change it up.

+1 @ Jocko.

@ Jax & Brump, yep! Thanks guys.

I received a call last evening from an umpire that I consider one of my mentors. He is assigning for some Legion teams next year. He's putting together a group of umpires that he knows & trusts. Well, he asked me to be a part of his group. I couldn't say "YES" fast enough. To me this is a huge compliment. I'm still in a bit of dis-belief that he asked.

I know this thread is somewhat old but I didn't want to start a new one. My Nutty Buddy was tested today for the first time . U12 batter fouled one straight into the boys this afternoon. After my initial shock wore off, I resumed the game with no ill effects. Lots of groans from the assembled patrons. The Nutty Buddy was my best investment in equipment this year.

I would agree with your quote. Kevin also said what I was trying to.

@ Big Umpire, I somewhat agree about your comment that if you never played a sport, it's more difficult to become a good official. I never played volleyball and it has been tough. I would call myself competent. It's been tough learning the ropes. I've had a good mentor. She is great!

I e-mailed All-Star about cleaning my pads in the 2500. No response. I did figure out how to clean them. Now, I absolutely love the 2500. I like the fact that the pads can be replaced and washed. The only nitpick I have is the small thin pad along the jaw line is fraying. It's happening on both sides. I figure it's just the way I put it on. I would like a way to repair it, if it is repairable. Like Scrounge said, it's not nearly as hot as one might think. It is very well-balanced and does have excellent vision. I took one direct shot to the mask this year and the mask did it's job. If you are gonna buy a bucket, you can't go wrong with the 2500. My .

Sure has BigUmpire.