iankelleyumpire

What a bargain! I'll take two!

How much fabric is left in the hem? Can you take a picture of the inside of them at the bottom to show how much fabric is left? Thanks Also, Base or plate?

Always take them out and let them breathe after games at the end of your day. Even if it is just over night, keeping them in the bag all crammed up is going to cause moisture to build up and lead to the rust. Take them out of your bag, disinfect them, not just febreze them, actually get some lysol non scented disinfectant spray. Spray them down decent, don't soak them in it, and let them sit out and dry up, and they'll be ready to go the next day. This will add life to the equipment, make is not smell, eliminate odors and bacteria, and should reduce any rusting on metal rivets or clasps. Just my methods.

Right?! I think the leftover dirt shows character! Like you've been working hard... Haha

Adrian Gonzalez at the end was just arguing that Joyce was "walking (to home)." He was yelling in the dug out that "If they're going to change positions to make a call like that, they've got to hustle." True, and at the same time, Jim Joyce did have a pretty good angle I thought. I'm just glad to see that for once a player recognizes something about umpiring. Realizes the rotation, and that we always need to hustle.

I had a weekend where I did 18 games between Sat/Sun. 9 each day. Made good money, free delicious concessions, but never ever again. No way. Not gonna happen.

As far as "sealing" shoes, I wouldn't know. I know with other shoes, it only lasts for so long, just like waterproofing spray or suede sealer. You have to realize, no matter now hard we clean our shoes, or what we clean them with, when we walk off the field they're going to be dirty either way. (Unless you're on turf, which even then they tend to still get kind of dusty)

Well there's a big difference in what armor all you use. The tire armor all, or the car interior stuff. Any sort of leather care/shiner/etc product out there can be used on shoes (leather shoes). Tire shine products can be tricky and corrosive. Then can make your shoes look great, like almost patent leather or like the material is covered with hardened leather luster, but when it sits and soaks in, after time it can corrode logos, thread, and other little things on shoes sometimes. I try to stay away from it, because it is made for tires, not shoes. Armor All "Original" leather spray is really good. The most common bottle is a tall skinny bottle, that's like $3 at Walmart. It seems to be very popular amongst umpires.

I get really, really into cleaning shoes. I have both of those pairs as well, along with others. Scrubbing bubbles, Armor All, Saddle Soap, Shoe Polish, Hairspray, Water - The list goes on and on. There are so many different ways to clean shoes (in general), and too many different products to use, so it's really just about finding the best way personally to do it. I'm very efficient and thorough, and can make the shoes look brand new practically. I might over-do it sometimes, but oh well. Here are my methods for each: After a game, of course they are dusty/dirty. Initially, I spray them down and all around with a Lysol All-purpose Oxy spray (Walmart, like $2.50) instead of scrubbing bubbles, just a preference. Then I kinda let them sit while some of it runs off, taking a lot of the dirt with it. Then I wipe them down pretty good. Next, I spray the "Original" Armor All spray all around and rub that in, to moisten and start the shining process. If I'm really feeling it, before this I will saddle soap them with a sponge and then rub it all off with a rag, then apply the Armor All. - From there, (For the NB460 plate shoes) I will take black shoe polish or parade gloss with a toothbrush and go over the "N" threading on the plate, to keep it black and not dirt-colored. This is key to keeping it like that, as sometimes the cleaners don't fully do the job. Then I'll buff it all off with a horsehair shoe brush. - By now, the shoe is pretty dry, but I'll go over it again with a rag to dry off. Then I'll apply a light layer of black shoe polish cream all around, until it's good and in, then let it dry. I make sure I don't get it on the white or on the silver N logo, if so, wipe it off good, just don't let it sit and stain. Here Is when I usually stop, and let them rest until dressing before a game. Then I'll polish them down with a standard black shoe sponge and you're good to go. The white sole on the base shoes just takes more elbow grease and scrubbing, and generally you can keep them very white. I've heard of using toothpaste, but I haven't tried that yet. Another thing, for either shoes, it to use shoe bags. I use the Honig's shoe bags for my plate shoes (each) when they are clean, helps keep off dust and other dirt form your bag. Also, cedar shoe trees do wonders. They can soak in moisture after you've worn them, keep good shape, and keep out smell. Like say, I'm very thorough, and probably over do most of it, but it works and it's just how I do my shoes. Take what you want of it, but no matter what, keep our shoes clean! It makes a good first impression when walking on to the field, and just overall completes a professional look as an umpire. Questions, comments, or any ideas and input are always welcome.

I'm thinking about buying it! You can replace the harness and pads. How does it look bent to you? I dont notice anything..

Good luck! Make sure to come back and tell us how it went.

I crease mine really hard in the front. It gives it a very sharp look, puts the logo or association letters more upright/upfront drawing focus to it, and it simply is just the way umpires wear their hats. I've noticed some don't, and either way, you're still wearing a hat. I don't crease the backs, but when they're stored and kind of folded up, I just let them crease on their own, however it looks. The more wear out of the hat, the more the edges can crease more/better. Just my two cents. IMO, I like the creased look. I never did, then I tried it with a hat, and now all of mine are like that. WHATEVER YOU DO, JUST DON'T WEAR A HAT BACKWARDS!!!

tks mate. We have plenty of umpires here but I don't think we have a site like this we can chat on. Our new rule book,( V 7) mirrors the USA one pretty closely, albeit the main baseball season period change depending on the geography. Well baseball is baseball, just a few rule difference. Chime in on anything you feel like, even if it is in your rules!

Still nothing on this? Anyone?! There are some of us who need to watch this! Help!

DON'T DO IT! NOT TO THE NIKE!

Welcome Welcome! Always glad when new people join. You can pick up so much from here right from the get-go!

Glad you have joined! This place will make you a better umpire! Welcome to the site mate!

Just relax and try to be smooth! Don't show any coaches any weakness or let them get the best of you. Have good timing, process every play, and make good calls! Simple. Welcome!

I remember when that came out! Haha It was a one time thing, but I wish there were more to watch.

All Star System Seven Shins!

What did I even just watch....?