ShotKaller

Force3 V2.....I just love it. Used it for four games now. I had been primarily wearing WV Platinum CP for last four seasons. Pros:Force 3 is definitely heavier than WV....... until you put it on. There is something about the way the harness distributes the weight of the Force3 that makes it seem so light and comfortable to wear. Range of motion is amazing compared to my old vest. Protection is unbeatable. On direct hits it disperses the impact amazingly well considering how thin it is. The way you can adjust EVERYTHING is probably the single best feature. The wings, shoulders, belly pad, sternum pad, upper harness, lower harness (with long straps BTW), all completely adjustable and removable. The inner material on the CP is really nice, hugs the body without sliding around, and air flow was still surprisingly good. As mentioned in earlier post, neck is cut so you can remove sternum pad and wear it a couple inches higher and get full protection, with out rubbing, for all the wide necks, and wear it lower with sternum pad adjusted higher and get full protction for the pencil necks. Very cool design. Cons: Yes there are a couple IMO. First, the thing smells like sh%t for..... well...... at least the first four games. Its not a deal breaker by any means, but it is an overpowering "new CP smell" that gets to me a little after I crouch about the 50th a time in a game. Just sayin'. Second, you cannot buckle the harness with one hand, and WITHOUT the belly pad it is a little awkward buckling the second buckle, and WITH the belly pad on I looked like a monkey f%$&ing a football trying to get it buckled. Again, just sayin'. Third, I have to buy new shirts! The thing is so thin my TOC and Smitty shirts are to baggy now. (Maybe this should be in the Pros section but its a con because it adds to the price). Which brings me to my final shot... the price. Yes I paid it, and yes I would pay it again since getting it, but damn... almost double what the current most popular CP is going for? The product is without a doubt quality, and I am sure the margins are justifiable, it just sucks because it prices a lot of guys right out of it. On the other hand, quality gear and divorce are really only expensive for one reason.................. because it's worth it.

If you can't tell the difference between your heather and your charcoal it's probably time for new charcoal. I only say this because all Smitty brand pants I own start as Charcoal for two years, then they become my Heather for two years, and then, almost overnight, turn a shade of purple that no self respecting umpire should be wearing. A tip I picked up from a veteran many years ago is that if you can easily see a difference in the front thigh area of the pants, and the area of the waist that your belt covers, it is time for new pants.

I just got this jacket a couple weeks ago. I like it better than the majestic. I agree that the material is a little more substantial in this Smitty version. It is unlined, and vented, making it perfect to wear over anything that keeps you warm on the bases, or just over an undershirt, and still look crisp and sharp. When I first got it I was a little concerned because straight out of the package it looked (and felt) like a tarp. I dropped it off with my alterations/dry cleaner guy to apply patches and shorten the sleeves a little for me. When I picked it up he said he steamed it for me too. This thing looked really good without a wrinkle or crease in it. The best part is it stays that way from one game to the next, no wrinkles except where I tuck it in to my pants (and yes, you really should tuck it in). I really fell in love with this thing when some rain came in last weekend. It sheds the water off nicely.

The Rule set will be an important factor here. If it is ASA rules the "Look Back Rule" would be the reason the runner can steal second. If R1 took a lead on the pitch, and never retouched first, when the pitcher receives the ball from the catcher, while in the circle, the runner MUST immediately return to her base or advance to next base with the liability to be put out. Technically the ball is live until she makes contact with the rubber. It becomes live again when the pitcher releases the ball.

According to Fed and ASA rules once a ball leaves live ball territory all runners are permitted to finish their base running responsibilities and ALL BASE AWARDS MUST BE MADE before a dead ball appeal. So this means, that done correctly, the PU should put her on first to demonstrate that this was the last base legally OCCUPIED, and then award the runner third for the throw into the dug-out. So even if PU doesn't move her back to first base, he must explain why he is leaving her at third, and she COULD then go back and touch first since she is permitted to finish her base running responsibilities before a dead ball appeal. I have seen this happen where PU awards the runner home because he did not see the runner leave early, but killed the ball on the over throw and made the base award. The defensive coach then made a verbal dead ball appeal on the runner that was just awarded home for leaving early from first base and BU called her out. I am not sure if this would hold up under protest, but I have always been curious.

While I hate the idea of a runner becoming liable to be put out based on something I said, this is one of those situations where some may think we should umpire a problem that should be coached. I just see it as a learning experience for everyone involved. This is very similar to R1 stealing second on a 3-2 count, catcher throws down to F6 as PU balls the pitch, BU calls R1 out and the runner steps off the bag toward the dug-out and F6 tags him again, so now he is really out. Should he get a do-over?

I tried the powder once. A couple hours later a bisquick pancake fell out of my pant leg. I use the friction stick on those hot days during tournament play, and save the spray powder for my feet.

​WTF? This is twice now you have offered an insult, and nothing of substance @JaxRolo. If I wanted to sit around and talk SH*# I would go on twitter. It's more helpful to hear why you were right, than to hear how I was wrong. How do you validate a catch on a put out?

In the BR 2015 Rule book 7.06 (b) NOTE:The catcher, without the ball in his possession, has no right to block the pathway of the runner attempting to score. The baseline belongs to the runner and the catcher should be there only when fielding a ball or when he already has the ball in his hand. It appears you had good old fashioned obstruction.

Did you come to this conclusion on your own? Read with me son: ​Rule 2.00 (Catch): A CATCH is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball in flight and firmly holding it; providing he does not use his cap, protector, pocket or any other part of his uniform in getting possession. It is not a catch, however, if simultaneously or immediately following his contact with the ball, he collides with a player, or with a wall, or if he falls down, and as a result of such collision or falling, drops the ball. It is not a catch if a fielder touches a fly ball which then hits a member of the offensive team or an umpire and then is caught by another defensive player. If the fielder has made the catch and drops the ball while in the act of making a throw following the catch, the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught. In establishing the validity of the catch, the fielder shall hold the ball long enough to prove that he has complete control of the ball and that his release of the ball is voluntary and intentional.

​Great advice. Quality contribution.

In response: ​I don't ever verbalize "no catch" on DTS. Blame it on my training, or personal preference, but it is a choice. IMO it is the same as non-verbal on a "fair ball". The only two people on the field that could get a better look than me are F2 and the BR. BR should be moving if he was watching the pitch. The signal is for the infielders, and my partner(s) so they can react to my ruling on the play. The only verbal in this situation would be if it WAS a catch and the batter started running down to first with runners on base. Now you will get the strike call, and a loud, "That's a catch, batter is out!" to ensure F2 doesn't throw the ball away unnecessarily. Question: So you are saying the batter is automatically out for interference by remaining in the box and R3 is returned to third? I think you better get your crew together on that ruling. The batter is not subject to a penalty for simply occupying the box. He is only subject to penalty if being there interferes with a play on R3. He can just as easily be called out for interference for stepping out of the box into F2's throw or into F2 making a tag, even if it is unintentional. To be clear, my statement says the batter is entitled to remain in the box because the question mentioned the batter being in the box as though it had an automatic penalty associated with it. At no time did I mean to imply the batters box was "safe haven" as so many of our "helpers" in the stands often cry out. In any case he IS entitled to stay in the box if he so chooses. While he is more likely to be called out for interference by staying there, he is not any less liable for interference if he is one step, or twenty steps, out of the box. I'm thinking the word "entitlement" may be putting us at odds here, but I wanted to be clear. A runner is also "entitled" to run from first base to right field make a figure eight and then proceed to second. He may be called out for many reasons, but he is still entitled to do so. Regarding this: My apologies. I swear to do my next 10 plate games without insoles as penance for this fatal oversight.

I only know of two umpires that have never done a strike two punch-out. They both lie about lots of other SH*# too.

Before I pick this apart it would appear that it was handled correctly based on the information provided...... As far as the rules go. EXCEPT, I can't remember the last time I saw a little league or Cal Ripken 9U game where base runners could lead off before the pitch reached home plate. My hat goes off to the coach rolling the "squeeze" on 1-2 with 2 outs with 9 year olds. The umpire mechanics on the other hand could have been better: 1. Umpire should have immediately signaled strike and also verbalized "strike" if it was not a swinging strike. 2. An immediate safe signal (no verbal) would be the correct mechanic for the dropped pitch. 3. Batter is entitled to stand in the box on the play unless interference, in the umpires judgement, occurred. 4. If R3 reaches home safely, and the catcher makes a play on the runner after recovering the ball, runner should be signaled/called safe. 5. When the first baseman receives the ball, and demonstrates control by a voluntary release, the batter-runner should be declared out ( signal and verbal ). 6. PU should immediately announce "This run does not score!" This is because the out at first is a force out, and the batter-runner MUST reach first base safely (when there are already two outs) in order for any run(s) to score on the play.

I like the subdued flag with gray trim on all black shirts and jackets. Shirts on the sleeve, Jackets on the back in the middle below the collar line. Red, white and blue with white trim on all others.

You all have no imagination. I'm buying that mask and the orange shirt from TOC. I will rock them both at my first solo game!!! I do softball. I don't call strikes down, I have never hammered a strike, and I will be damned if I change the color and cut of my pants to look like a "real softball umpire". My evaluators complain every time, but they keep calling me for games. I love fastpitch, but baseball allows some freedoms. It's easy to respect. Softball is just to rigid with no good reason to be. It always makes me laugh that all of the little things that make you look like a good baseball umpire , make you look like a bad softball umpire. I just assume look like a descent baseball umpire even if I'm on a bocce ball field.

I often do not have time to get to my gear out of the trunk and clean it up right after my game(s). I also didn't always have time to let my gear air dry between games. You get home from a game do some laundry, clean up the gear and then load the car again before bed, and off to the day job in the morning, then to the next game. Now I don't even worry about it. Water is extracted from the gear automatically with these: damprid.docx It works really good. Just hang it in the trunk. I think I bought a box of the at Home Depot for $6.00. I have to change it out about every 3-4 weeks. It's great because you know it needs to be changed when the bottom of the bag is full.

I love the new Wilson silver dyna-lite aluminum mask. The memory foam pads are great too! I have never been more comfortable in the dish. Took my first direct hit the second day. Foul ball so sharp it unsnapped my throat guard loops. I really didn't feel a thing. It is also 1.1 lbs. lighter than my last mask. Huge difference maker in game 3 and on during tournament play.

Hat Color/Brand/ 2-4-6-8 Stitch: Yes. 6 Stitch in one case, 2,4,&8's in another. RichardsonSunglasses Brand/Model: Oakley Radar Pitch Black Iridium PolarizedMask Model: Wilson Silver Dyna-Lite AluminumMask Pads Brand/Color: Black Wilson Memory FoamMask Harness Brand: MLBChest Protector Brand/Model: West Vest PlatinumChest Protector Harness: Delta Flex Shin Guards: PlatinumThroat Guard Yes or No: YupHelmet Brand/Model: negativeCold Gear Top: UA MockCold Gear Bottom: Not in NorCalHeat Gear Top: UA TrainerHeat Gear Bottom: Shock Doc 337 comp shortSock Brand/Long or Short: Adidas climacool OTC socksCup Brand: Shock Doc Bio Comp carbonPants Poly Wool Yes or No: Hells yeah. HonigsLong Sleeve Shirt Color: Black & Pro BlueShort Sleeve Shirt Color: Pro Black, Pro Blue, Gray, White, Powder Blue w/ black collar, Powder blue w/ wht and navy trim, sky blue w/ red and navy trim, red, cream, navy, and old black w/twin wht stripes.Plate Coat Color/Model: noneJacket Style/Color/Model: Smitty black fleece lined cold weather jacket with powder stripes and Smitty black convertible pullover.Patent Leather Belt Yes or No: Yes 1 3/4"Flat Black Leather Belt Yes or No: yes (back-up)Base Shoe Brand: Adidas Adipure patent leather turfPlate Shoe Brand: New Balance MU460Shoes with White Yes or No: NeverIndicator Strike 3 Ball 4 Preferred Yes or No: YeahPlate Brush Style: Plastic with bristles cut down to 3/4 inch Pencil or Pen: Bic 4 color mini bitches!Line Up Holder Use Yes or No: YesGloves Brand/Wear Yes or No: noMock Turtleneck Yes or No: Yes/ Jan Feb only

​Damn Majordave........ I think I'm aroused. Tell us about your second favorite picture of an umpire.

My apologies Thunderheads for not sticking to the format. Here is the run down, left to right, top to bottom: 1. Wilson A3077 LoPro cage powder coated in frost white with All Star Pads 704g - It usually has a gray harness and gray 4" throat guard- It is used on exceptionally warm days (100+). Say whatever you want. On those days I give zero f%$ks what anyone thinks, and coolness and comfort are the priority. Oh, and I hate beige pads 2. Tag Battle Gear cage powder coated in frost white and pads 806g-This mask is a originally a TAG catchers mask. My very first mask. It usually sports a navy bottom pad and harness and I wear it for a forth of July round robin tournament I do every year. 3. Wilson WTA3009X cage with Black/Doeskin Pads, MLB Harness, 4" Throat Guard 880g - a.k.a. "The Tank" - My first "real" umpire mask. Purchased when I started seeing 80+ mph pitches delivered to 50 mph catchers on a regular basis. 4. Diamond DFM-43 Cage powder coated in Gun Metal Gray with Black All Star Pads, MLB Harness, 4" Throat Guard 754g - This is my everyday driver. 5. Markwort MS54 Cage with Black Markwort Pads 716g (w/o harness) - Purchased at a garage sale, added new pads. I break it out when I have a new partner, or an old partner who "forgot" his mask. (And yes I have the ballon to go with it in case they "forgot" a CP too). 6. Origin unknown with markwort softball fielders mask pads 499g - I am told it was made in the 40's - It may actually be a mask used for baseball or it may be a field hockey mask. Both look very similar in pic's. It's a head turner regardless on the softball field. It looks best hanging in my shop with the others. 7. Wilson Silver Dyna-Lite Aluminum with black Wilson memory foam pads, MLB Harness, 4" Throat Guard 548g - Newest addition - Nothing more to say - It is perfect!

I wear radar pitch on the field and gascans everywhere else. I suffer from migraines and direct sunlight is a huge trigger for me. I wear sunglasses even in low light situations. I have used aftermarket lenses as mentioned above (yes, all of them). In my experience they just aren't as durable as the Oakley lenses. Of course when you factor in cost, the only issue is convenience. I continue to buy Oakleys because they are the best. They are a high quality product and, when cared for properly, work every time. Are they overpriced? Hell yeah. So is my car insurance. As long as I can depend on the coverage I will keep paying. I mean I spend $200 on a CP, $100 on pants that I buy two at a time, and $200+ on masks, and I don't even want to talk about reg fees for liability insurance I don't even need (love you NASO). So I don't even think twice about how much I spend protecting, what is probably, the most essential tool for an umpire.

I've been meaning to get a pic of my collection up for months now. I think the fear of being judged by my choice of granite is what has been holding me back. Enjoy:

This thread is amazing. I am an umpire in the San Fracisco Bay Area. I carry a two navy blue shirts at all times. One large for bases one XL for the plate. They have been vacuum packed in plastic for four long years now. I travel all over Northern CA to umpire and I am yet to run into an umpire that only has Navy (knock on wood). I vacuum pack all my rarely used jackets and shirts. The only ones that stay on hangers are Pro Black, Pro Blue, convertible jacket and cream. I have at least 300 HS baseball games and almost as many HS softball games on my resume over the last five years and never once have I even seen high school umpires wear navy. The only time I see Navy shirts is when they are given to umpires by a league. They are usually youth umpires or adult volunteers. It was always my understanding that my partner and I decide what color we are going to wear. I am going to have to go check this out in the state book now. I never even thought about it. I just did two HS games on a Saturday in April. It was hotter than Satans balls that day so my partner and I broke out the white shirts with red and blue trim for the second game. It was only the second time I wore mine, and my partners was still in the Smitty package. No one even mentioned it. I wish a HS coach would tell me I was wearing the wrong color. I'd have his ass in a helmet with double ear flaps for the next three games every time he stepped on the field. Any other CA umpires enjoying the benefits of the mandatory helmet rule for the base coaches? I think the rest of you will get to join in soon!

I am a little late to the party here, but I wash my platinum every 4 weeks or so. Here is my method (requires one full day): Remove pad from plates Using spray bottle, 1:1 water and white distilled vinegar, spray down both sides of pad until damp. Leave hanging for 2 or 3 hours (overnight if possible). Now scrub and soak in hot water (add a little oxi-clean, or other mild detergent, if you have it to help remove vinegar smell.) leave for 30 minutes to a couple hours. Move it directly in to the washing machine (all alone and do not add detergent), set machine load to "small" (or the lowest it will go) and set the washer to the rinse cycle and start it. Now it will just rinse all vinegar and detergent solutions, and then spin it to extract all excess water. Now you must hang it to dry (so both sides can be air dried) in the sun or in front of a portable radiant space heater (not too close!!!). It is important to dry it with heat to get the moisture inside the pad to evaporate otherwise it stays in there. After it dries until it just feels damp in some areas go ahead and mount it back into plates, hang, and air dry or continue to use sun/heater method until completely dry. During this time I also use some bleach and water solution on the plates (not the harness!!). Then rinse the plates down with water and towel dry or hang dry.The harness can be rinsed in water and hang to dry. I don't recommend using cleaners or soaking the harness as it will cause it to break down faster. This method will kill the bacteria that cause odor (vinegar), clean and remove sweat and dirt build up and that nasty vinegar smell (soaking), and leave a clean moisture free pad (rinse and spin in the washer). So long as you make sure the pad is COMPLETELY dry it should smell fresh and clean for several weeks. You also avoid putting the pad through the rough and unsupervised beating of the wash cycle. I use this same method on the lower part of my platinum shins as well.