DonInKansas

It's cool to see Kate doing well. I worked with her at the 3&2 complex for a few years and she's always been a solid umpire.

Personally, I like the Richardson caps in the field, but when I try to wear one on the plate I feel I constantly have to adjust my mask because there's too much "give" in the flexfit cap. One man's opinion.

There's an Evans weekend clinic up here in Topeka KS in September that will have some Big 12 guys on hand. I can't afford it this year though. http://www.topekaumpclinic.com/Welcome.html

I can't agree with this one. I will reward a pitcher who pitches inside effectively, especially if the hitter is crowding the plate. If he doesn't like it, he can get his hands inside the ball and hit it or back off the plate.

I just got a Gold after several years wearing the classic WV (So classic it has the white WV on it instead of the yellow W.) The thing I immediately noticed was the difference in weight. The Gold is notably lighter than the original, and fits as Dave noted a bit nicer. I can't wait to get mine broken in; it's still a touch stiff from being new.

If managers are restricted from the field to question calls, then I would consider it. It's hard to think I'd feel in control talking with a drool-dripping mouthguard in my hand.

Yeah. Let the tailor do the measuring next time. Most will tell you to have them measured and pinned by the one doing the hemming while you're geared up (wearing shins/plate shoes) for your plate pants, then in your base shoes for base pants.

My three questions then would be: What do you need? What do you have to spend? What level of ball do you hope to be calling 3-5 years from now? Believe, me, a lot of us have been in the spot you are, myself included. It's not that we don't know money's tight; it's just for most the experience of having to go out and replace already expensive equipment in only a year or two is not cost effective, and the time that you take that one shot that good protection could have saved you from makes the few extra bucks worth it. In many businesses, umpiring definitely being one, a piece of advice I hear often is "dress one step above your station" or something to that effect. Next year you say you'll be working JV/JH BB. Do you aspire to Varsity? College? Some guys don't and that's fine. But if you do, every little thing can count especially if you live in an area where there's pretty stiff competition for high quality games. I know where you're coming from on clearing the spending; I've got a wife too. Just lay out the facts; I'm sure she wants you to be as safe as you can be back there. If nothing else, the equipment is tax deductible (more money in the tax refund!) and could lead to better games quicker (more money in the game checks!) It helped for me.:confused:

I had to look it up as well. It's supposedly a military expression Dave, so I'm a little stumped you haven't heard it. Then again, with the definition I'm reading, I'm not sure how it applies. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=blue+falcon

I found this post on "Why We Umpire" interesting and have nominated it accordingly for "Post Of The Month July, 2009"

Dave has a serious shyness problem and holds his feelings in too much. One day he may explode. LMAO

Nice post, kyle. I agree with sniffing around for bargains if you need to, but going high end. Although I'm pretty sure that used Platinum or Gold is going for higher than 80 on Ebay; I've never seen one go for less than a Benjamin and I consider myself a fairly savvy ebayer. Shins, shirts, and occasionally masks are usually the items I can find bangup deals on Ebay for.

I found this post on "Gerry Davis or Diamond 3xi" interesting and have nominated it accordingly for "Post Of The Month July, 2009"

If you're not averse to buying used, I'm selling my old West Vest CP. Still got a lot of life left and will definitely get you through the high school level and beyond. I also sent you a PM. http://www.umpire-empire.com/forum/vbfclassifieds.php?do=showad&adid=14&title=affordable-west-vest-for-sale

I have to work 7a-7p both Sat and Sun, so no ball for me. Next scheduled game is July 10.:wow: