johnnyV

Congrats JonnyCat...I know the feeling! For the first time, I too have called JUCO, NAIA and an occasionaly D1 scrimmage this Fall...and I like it! I could definitely get used to it. As "Haid D' Salaami" (great name btw says, it is a process and I'm working on it myself. Good luck!

Ditto! Can hardly wait...been needing a new bag.

I have been hit on three different occasions/games on my Unequal CP during JUCO Fall Ball so far. One was a ball that glanced off the bat and into my upper chest region, one off my shoulder, which hit the plastic and lastly...one where the catcher got crossed up by the pitcher, barely getting his catcher's mitt on the ball and striking me pretty square in the chest. I will say that the ball that hit the plastic on my shoulder was no different than getting hit on my West Vest...loud noise, but didn't feel a thing. Having said that, I am still evaluating the Unequal. As Texas Manny so eloquently stated above, "Kevlar is meant to absorb the shock and disperse the impact across the plate (I too was also in the military)..." I did "feel" the hits to the chest and I do remember being surprised, especially the pitch what crossed up the catcher. I'm not exactly sure how to explain it, but after initial impact, there was a slight sting but that dissipated almost as fast as it happened. There were no lingering feelings during the remainder of my games; meaning, I wasn't gun shy whatsoever, and I experienced no tenderness or bruising the next day. In fact, I can confidently state I did not wake up the next morning feeling/knowing that I got hit with the ball. The reason I say I'm still evaluating the Unequal is because I believe you will feel the initial hit/shock/sting from the ball; just like I did. The question for each of you is whether that initial shock is worth it. If you do not feel any pain from any ball off your current CP, then I would say stick with it; because you will feel something with the Unequal. mstaylor has some wise words when he stated: "don't get rid of your "good" CP until you know you like the new one!" Hope this helps.

Well done semper...I'm envious...I did 195 in 2009 and only 125 this year...I had to cut it short because I moved to Germany. From what they tell me, games are extremely hard to come by over here. Anyhow, congrats.

Congrats on taking the next step JaxRolo.

Fall Ball...what's Fall Ball...unfortunately, there is no such thing over here :banghead:

Thank you for supporting this cause.

JaxRolo, I hope your mother-in-law comes through this all right. My wife went through both chemo and radiation and it really sucked the life out of her. Fortunately, she is in remission; but she still has her good and bad days. I can't help but think about it often and I know we will always be looking over our shoulders every year. I pray for your mother-in-law and strength for you and your wife to help her though this. It's funny the curves life throws at us, hopefully we learn to endure and come out the better for it. Best wishes.

Mazzamouth, is your buddy an Umpire as well? I am retired Air Force, now working civil service. My wife and I decided to do something different and go to Europe. I now have a much better appreciation for our country. I definitely see how much I took the US for granted. However, any experience is what you make of it and I am enjoying it here in Germany...besides, in a few short months it will be baseball and softball seasons! :D

Jim, thanks for doing this. As my wife is a breast cancer survivor, I will gladly purchase one of these shirts and wear it proudly when given the opportunity to umpire in one of these games. I would also like to thank all of you who support this cause either by purchasing a shirt, donation or whether it be in spirit. I realize there are numerous causes that are near and dear to all of us and I'm sure you all have yours...this just happens to be one of them that is important to me.

Dan and Brandon, I'll try and keep in touch. I should be going over ~ 1 Aug 10. I currently work Civil Service and am going over there to do the same. But in either case, I'm looking forward to it. John

Thanks kcfan102. I have sent an email to the principal just the other day and I have not received a reply yet. I appreciate the effort.

Gentlemen, I could use your help. I will be relocating to Ramstein Air Base Germany in the fall and I am trying to find a point of contact for umpiring High School Baseball and Softball over there...yes, believe it or not, they do play those sport over there. I have searched the internet, but I cannot for the life of me, find any link that points me in the right direction. I would appreciate any assistance or contacts you may have. Thanks.

Yes Warren, I am one of your members. John

I need your help. I didn't mean to use my e-mail address as my login name. Is there anyway to change it? Thank you.