MadMax

If asked to rate the 3 existing Flex-style replacement harnesses, it would be: 1. @Razzer's ULFH "RayFlex" 2. The Force3 "NewFlex" – the reason you're getting this is because you're on a tight (oh the pun!) budget, and/or you've got a Force3 UnEqual CP, and/or you cannot get ahold of Ray so as to order a RayFlex. $20 is easier on some guys to stomach than $30. 2.1. The All-Star DeltaFlex – if you're spending the extra $8, you may as well get the RayFlex for $2 more, with its longer straps and personalized embellishment. Or, you have an All-Star System 7 CP... or a Douglas, which the DeltaFlex really seems to pair with rather elegantly, and make it seem like you're not wearing a CP at all. Notice, good readers, where the changes and updates are coming from – 2 companies and a one-man shop utterly committed to baseball and the advancement of protection. The Big W corporation doesn't care to, and can't innovate to, make an update to a product they've sat on for over 10 years. In the same vein, the smaller multisport companies (of which my own favored name-that-rhymes-with-Putt is one) cannot be bothered to make updates because they are on such a shoestring profit-margin, they cannot entertain the idea of upgrading their product beyond the bare minimum essentials. Thing is, making the optimum fit of your CP is an essential.

First, I think @ALStripes17 is in Florida at present, or enroute to. Second, Stripes may be young, but I think he's beyond sanctioned Junior High baseball. It's worse than Freshman baseball... and I thought that was the taint of the Earth bad. Last, I think Stripes has better timing than this guy...

Yup, @Umpire_ar, I can vouch for All-Star's integrity. Both @JaxRolo and I have FM4000's get bent bars off foul balls. Just by contacting All-Star, they requested photos of the bend, and after reviewing them, they sent out a new frame free of charge. Now, if we can get the Big Gold "W" to do something even remotely on par with All-Star and Force3, we'd see umpire protection advance by leaps and bounds.

You mean to tell me, @Jdc03270, that it was that mean green cheap-ee you got from Play It Again??! I was sitting there, waiting for the photos to load, read that you chopped the chin guard off, and I was so sickened I didn't bother to view the photos any longer. I feel that a Nike Ti without its chin guard is like an elephant carcass without its tusks. Total waste.

That's a se><y beast, @Umpire_ar. May it keep you in good health. @Jdc03270, you're a butcher. If you don't want a chin guard, just buy a Mizuno. What did that poor defenseless unicorn Nike ever do to you? Hell, if you want to cut'n'chop, take out your mangle-ment on a Wilson!* * - This is said in jest, I hope you understand.

I can verify @KenBAZ's armory. And, I endorse @Thunderheads mention of Douglas. Never buy a manufacturer's "starter" or umpire kit. Ever. You are paying for the packaging of mediocrity, often in generic or improper sizes. Rarely is this kit gear a company's best, and if you identify a flaw or failure of one of the components, you are locked into dealing with them all. Now, if a retailer or outfitter provides a package discount, it is something to consider. If this package has been selected by the outfitter (such as U-A does), or is a discount applied to the buying of components together (such as Force3 does), this demonstrates or gives you a choice in the matter. Options and choice are good. Gerry Davis is a great example of choice being exercised – Wilson makes the DaviShins and the DaviShield, with their logo all over 'em... but what is the mask? A Davis-branded Diamond. Huh. So Gerry Davis himself doesn't use or endorse a Wilson mask? Nope. Oh sure, he may have worn one at one time or another, or certainly has used Wilson pads that are likely given to the Major League umpires in bulk (and because Diamond pads are pathetic). Most guys here know my loathing disdain for Wilson. It has nothing to do with the products themselves. If you determine that a Wilson Platinum is the best CP for you, and buy one gently used from another umpire or source at a really attractive price point, then I'll crack open a tasty beverage with you and toast your success. If you get a modified one with a Flex-style harness and a TW retro-pad job in it, I'll even splurge on the champagne (of beers)! But if you buy a "new", stock-standard Platinum from Wilson or another retailer at $180+, you're mad... or an idiot... or a mad idiot. Why? Because Wilson hasn't done a single thing to improve that unit in nearly 10 years (15 if the Gold). It's odd that you omit saying what other gear you'll likely get when you invest in yourself – such umpiring necessities as a personal protector, baselayer clothing, uniforms, hydration products, etc. Everyone omits these from discussion because we see them as trivial accessories that we try, evaluate and either keep or pass on depending on how we feel they worked for us. So why is it that we don't apply the same perspective to gear items such as the mask, CP and shinguards? Hmmm.

Exactly. This is why when playing amateur baseball under OBR, it doesn't matter if there are three number 34's, two 8's, and one kid lacking a number altogether. Names matter. Need verification? The All-Star Game and Jackie Robinson Day games are all legal games, with no modification in the rules.

If anyone is interested in this unit, it is quite good. Through a series of steps and < $15 of parts, I've developed a way to modify it to accept a Flex-style harness. Team that with some panel bending, you'll be left with a quality, protective CP that will fit beautifully and will be lighter than the Wilsons. By sheathing the plastic panels behind nylon, there's no exposed rivets to corrode, and if a pitch hits ya, there's no "CLANK!". If you purchase it from @Majordave and want to know details, PM me.

@Hoggie, what masks were you using when you were concussed? Frame & Pads (TM) and Model (HSM), please... need to know what you had so we can identify some components and go from there. What @kylejt preaches is fit, and for him, the Honig's K-4 is the most accommodating of fit. It has a quite voluminous half-sphere "bowl" profile (most other premier masks are low profile, or flat), big protective ear guards, an effective extended crown guard, and a chisel-point chin guard so as to attach nearly any throat guard. And when it can be outfitted with any of a variety of quality-assured mask pads, "custom" – instead of having to purchase default crap ones (Diamond! Champro! Get it together guys!) – you're on the right sort of path. I have one, I like it. But I also have other models, such as from Nike and All-Star and +POS, and I've had Eastons, and Diamonds, and... It's all about the pads. As soon as you start using the C-word, the only mask really actively addressing it is the Force3. All-Star, with its committment to catchers (first) had to progress down the geometric path, designing a mask that relies upon its shape to deflect and minimize impact delivery. Their masks cannot afford to have any moving parts, otherwise its a design and warranty concern every time a catcher somewhere tosses a mask onto the ground. Because Force3 is an umpire's company first, its mask can infuse mechanical devices to absorb and suppress that impact force. Yes, it may take use by Major League catchers for the design to gain traction, but MLB catchers can afford to use one because they're getting a new unit whenever necessary. A High School -age catcher can't afford this expenditure. Point is, what's The Big Yellow W doing for us? As far as shoes, my professional (both as an umpire and as a retail sports sales dude) opinion holds that, within reason, you get the gear that suits and fits you best, and is most enabling of your success. If it's a Nike Air Max, or a New Balance 9500 (guess), or a Brooks Banger (made up), it really should not matter. One of the most effective and humane measures the US Military undertook in the past 15 years was the abolishment of the contracted model of uniform footwear – meaning that soldiers were given latitude to purchase and wear footwear of any brand or style provided it fit within guidelines and parameters. So, just because the New Balance MU950 has the Official MLB logo on it doesn't mean it's a better shoe than anything else. With that said, a healthy number of guys here in Arizona swear by Nike Air Max shoes simply because they want the cushiest shoes possible when we're out standing in a dusty, sun-baked field that has the consistency of concrete for 4-8 hours. Synthetic-fabric uppers that breathe are an imperative. My own MU950's look and clean up beautifully, but I am remiss about wearing them for long, multiple-game stretches if I don't need to. I've only been using them on "big time", singular games where I'm around professionals. Lastly, I keep a set of Nike Flex Show shoes in my bag for just the occasion where we've got a muddy, crappy or windswept field in a game that, you know, 14-year olds or their coaches really aren't going to notice or care what shoe you're wearing.

Stan! Your recollection is fantastic! It's like you were there... or somethin'.

http://www.force3progear.com/product/pro-mask-sun-shield/ Force3 trotted out a brand-new visor for their Defender TM, and of course, it's designed to fit to the unique geometry of the Defender's upper cage. There are two tab slots instead of one, and there is a notch to accommodate the centerline mounting clip. It even has the Force3 logo (which should, and hopefully someday will, supplant the Big Yellow W) laser-engraved. ... I'm shocked I beat @gnhbua93 in this announcement. If/when I get a Defender TM, though, it will surely have one of these on it.

Good Day, and welcome to you and your inquiry. From the read, you are a team? Have you already "contracted" an umpire or are you still seeking one? The Dreams Park requires you, as a team, to "bring an umpire", as this allows the Park to operate the nearly 500 games per 5-day week it hosts. We, as a baseball community, understand that not every team can locate a local umpire to bring along with them on their trip, but this sort of cost is what is used as a benchmark or starting point – if you were to bring one, what sort of costs would you/he/she incur (travel, amenities, etc.)? Numerous umpires are available to you. Most are coming from other locales, while some practically live nearby to Cooperstown or are onsite several weeks. Week One is a little short notice, but you will likely find somebody. Two words of advice – please keep the negotiated sponsorship amount private between you and any umpires you contact or who contact you. The number is negotiable, but please understand, this process doesn't function like buying, or renting, a car. Second, this is _very_ important to all parties involved... deal only with the umpire whom you will be potentially sponsoring. Do not send or pay a single dollar to a guy who contacts you saying "he'll find you an umpire". There are two persona-non-gratis (guys who are not welcome or allowed to visit the Park) who try to act as "booking agents" and will hit you up for a couple hundred dollars just to have you pay another few hundred dollars to some guy they called up and may or may not meet you on Opening Saturday. Nope, don't do it. There are many guys who advertise their availability here on U-E if you are still seeking one out. Good luck and enjoy your visit to Cooperstown!

There's one glaring problem with this – amateur ball, high school included, is no place for plunking. Do we really want to be forced to mitigate a fight breaking out because a F1 plunked a rival batter because he wanted to save himself 3 pitches?

The top of the zone, for me, is the only "boundary" of the strike zone that changes in accordance to age/skill level I'm calling. Keep in mind the strike zone is an organic creature, not an ethereal, laser-defined cubic chunk of air. Anything less than 17U Showcase ball, this upper boundary is typically mid-chest. Armpits, hands (typically)... I find that a lot of teams make it easy by wearing uniforms that have the team name placed very prominently across the chest. Then, the players make it even easier still by approaching the box taking air swings that I note are right at that projected height... mid chest. There are my benchmarks. With Showcase ball and beyond, these ballplayers are much more cohesive, knowledgeable, and skilled hitters (I'll address MSBL separately). As such, the top of the zone is more around the belt / navel. With experience, you'll find it define itself. "Top of the zone" outside corner is quite a reach out there, while the toughest one to call IMO – top of the zone, inside corner – is affected because the batter's hands are usually in this spot. Batters at this level don't bail... they either straighten up and bring their hands up, or initiate a swing. For this reason, I place my nose right down the inner black of the plate, and my head height is such that if i can completely see the plate and (low) outside corner, yet if that inside one comes at my eyes, it's high. If it comes at my chin / chin guard if my mask, it's a strike... at the top of the / this zone. MSBL guys are in a different category because, like the pros, they whine about the high/low stuff, but unlike the pros, they bail on anything in on them. Up and in becomes a whole bunch of bickering and "WTF man?!?!" I mention the bailing because there goes your reference point. They don't check their swing, they don't even initiate a swing measuring it up... they either straighten way up or they bail. So, with them vacating, on an inside pitch, I'm a bit lower than the typical "top of the zone" pitch that would be center or outer half. At that level, of the catcher is catching it at around _his_ chin/neck level, there's my top of the zone.

He did what?!? FWIW, this guy would no longer be my UIC because I would make it known that this sort of (mis)management is uncalled for, unappreciated, and undeserved. If I'm acting as UIC on a tournament site, and one of my charges botches a ruling or a call, I do not approach any of the umpires in/on that game to inject my opinion. If one of them calls time and seeks out the TD or myself (often the case when a tournament-specific rule is questioned), then that's one thing... but if you are not in the game, nor summoned by the game, you have no business ruling on or influencing the umpires of that game, "UIC" or not. Make note of it so as to discuss later – post game – but otherwise, the only other thing you should be approaching the fence, unsolicited, to ask your umpires-in-game is, "Got enough water?"

That's what came to mind after typing my first response to you... something to consider would be to get a 4-stitch or smaller-brimmed hat and wear that while wearing a HSM. The challenge becomes not yanking your hat off while taking off the HSM. I would also strongly recommend taking the button out of a hat and keeping it for HSM use. That button will drive you mad otherwise. @KenBAZ and I are working on a solution for him, as the Arizona sun is brutal on those without headgear. We're trying bicycle hats, which are typically cotton, comfortable, and have a very brief brim so as to be worn with/under a cycling helmet. Another approach is, as @ElkOil shared, to go without a hat. Some guys go completely without one (I think Cederstrom does this this), while others will wear a hat for pre-first-pitch activities, and then hand the hat to a MLB staffer or valet. The Minor League guys are heavily encouraged to have a hat, and I've seen several of them here in AZ carry one in their ball bag to wear prior to first pitch, and then between innings. Oh, and FYI... KenBAZ uses both of the mechanical HSMs, the Wilson Shock FX-Ti and the Force Defender HSM.

You know, @Umpire_ar, if you read any gear postings on the forums, you typically see @gnhbua93 stumping for Force3. It happens so often, most of us regulars just laugh it off... but in this case, he's got outstanding advice. The Force3 Defender HSM would be a viable, quality solution for you. It is a mechanical HSM, in that it relies on its spring & struts suspended cage to provide the protection. The Wilson Shock FX is the only other mechanical HSM, but Wilson has recently discontinued them, and finding an appropriate size may be problematic. At this juncture, the only other HSMs I would recommend are the All-Star System 7 (which @Stk004 mentioned) or the Easton M7 (_not_ the Mako or M10... those are too styled for catchers specific), as these are the two best of the geometric or sculptural HSMs. All other HSMs are following after these two, with varying degrees of quality. The Mizuno is the most padded of catcher HSMs, but its shape is almost completely focused on a catcher's needs. Mechanical HSMs are not suited for catchers because of the amount of pounding they take from being tossed off and hitting the ground. They also cannot afford to have extraneous width (typically where the absorption devices go) because a catcher needs to bring the ball up close to his ear for proper throwing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARKWORT-Catcher-Umpire-Mask-W-TINTED-UPPER-LENS-NICE-/371873702227?hash=item5695666153:g:ydoAAOSw~AVYrPC8 It's a Honigs K-4, "weathered" from silver back to "raw" hollow steel, with black leather pads... and yes, it includes a Markwort visor. Obviously, the seller does not know gear.

Because the umpire called it. The umpire judged it to be Interference, and we're discussing the peripherals / fallout of this play as called. We (as baseball participants) can't do anything about it, regardless if the umpire interpreted interference correctly or not (it would read, as presented, that he didn't).

"Next best"? Not even close. The company in question has nothing – nothing – nor done anything – anything – innovative on the behalf of umpires since obtaining the rights to the WestVest. They may have burped up the Platinum, but I am very skeptical as to its origins (did it actually come from an employed engineer / designer, or was it obtained from an external party / source?). Sofa cushion foam is not an advanced material. If it's any indication, the big gold W is abandoning umpires with the lack of any updates in CPs or shinguards and the discontinuation of the Shock FX line of HSM. Their decision to end the Shock FX isn't umpire-driven, it's catcher-driven (catchers ain't buying the Shock FX; they're buying the sleeker, less expensive, less fussy All-Stars and Eastons). Big W doesn't care about your health beyond your ability to reach into your back pocket and retrieve your credit card. And on that note, in lieu of Force3, I'd rather give my money to a company actually developing advanced gear for catchers (All-Star), because there I at least know someone is concerned about the guys behind the plate. Get paid? You don't get paid. There's money going somewhere, surely, but it's not going to any of the guys on the field (aside from Joe West, and that's due to licensing royalties, that crafty bugger). No, the other 80-some umpires on the field get "paid" in supplied gear, which itself, other than the "DynAlum" mask, was likely fabricated more than 5 years ago and has sat in a big shipping container in a warehouse somewhere. Out of the – let's say – 96 Major League catchers (3 per team), only one – one – is a sponsored athlete, and while he's good, he's not a perennial All-Star nor Gold Glove winner. He doesn't even wear the "new" marquee gear the company just abandoned all-else to trot out because they're feeling the squeeze from All-Star, Easton, Mizuno, Rawlings and the oncoming tsunami that is UnderArmour. No, your hard-earned, sweat-soaked, mud-stained dollars aren't going into anyone or anything you see on the field (even if it's a discreet umpire)... it's going to a corporate office somewhere, likely, when all is said and done, in Finland. Make fun? Heck no, man! That's a TOC shirt! That is the way a navy shirt should be made and worn! That wretched ... thing ... with the white and red trim on the cuffs and collars should be burned in a big pile... or shipped en masse to Ohio. I know hear they like 'em.

I wouldn't say they were "golf" per se, @BT_Blue, as I've had G30's on my cycling glasses, my snowboard goggles, and a whole slew of other activities' glasses. I don't golf.

Best, most versatile lenses for action sports that Oakley makes, @BT_Blue, are the G30.

Less than 2 outs? Run scores, as the B batted a live ball, ruled fair, into the field of play and a play was made on it. As R3 committed no interference on the play, and crossed / touched the plate prior to the Time of BR's Interference (RLI), the run (or advancement, if R2 to 3B and achieves it) stands. 2 outs? Run does not score. R3 did not touch home? Ball is Dead at Time of Interference, therefore R3 cannot go back to validly touch the plate while the ball is dead, thus he's subject to being called out on valid appeal by the defense, and the run removed. ------------------------------ This ^ was posted prior to reading @maven's citation ---------------------- EDIT (after reading maven's post): I knew that "truth" about Fed, that all Interference is TOI, and it's crucial to the forthcoming ruling / judgement as to if runners touch / achieve the bags/plate they are attempting. I did not get that interpretation from that passage (not that it's wrong). So as the situation as stated goes, R3 is going back to 3B? If the F2 had, in the course of scooping up the ball, took a feeble swipe at the R3, and then thrown on to 1B – is that interpreted any different?

... including butt-hurt coaches and their "issues". You bring up an almost sickening note... I'm sure this happens to you, too, for when a catcher jams his glove into the dirt / dust / mud of the plate area, and then immediately sets up to receive the next pitch... I'm already bracing myself for a high one and the forthcoming shower of crap in my face from it.

There are three things I have resolved, equipped and conditioned myself to never use as a PU: 1) use an indicator... I do not own one, 2) wear a jacket... if the temperature drops, it's a long sleeve shirt, plate coat, or bust, 3) wear sunglasses. On each of these, I'll qualify it for colleagues: 1) if you need or want an indicator, by all means use one... just don't let it consume your attention when there is baseball going on, 2) if you need to stay warm, by all means go ahead... just don't look like a slob while wearing one, 3) if you need sunglasses, you need sunglasses, no biggie. Each and every mask I own and use, save one (the FM4000... curses Jeff @Thunderheads and your grinding skills), has a visor. Back in Wisconsin, it not only provides shade but keeps rain from soaking my hat bill and dripping through my field of vision at the worst time (during a pitch, for example). Here in Arizona, it keeps those 30 cu. inches of space below your cap bill cool and a bit darker – when I throw my mask on, I no longer have to squint. And, I'm one who is taking my mask off and on alot... do I really want to be jarring or fumbling around with glasses?