matt29

***message me with an offer if you are interested*** Work is getting in the way of umpiring for the near future, so I’m parting w/ some of my gear: All Star System 7 CPU4000 Chest Protector w/ backup harness and pads, which are brand new and never used. Marks on front of protector are from a sticker that was removed. This is the 12” model. - $125 All Star System 7 Shin Guards 16” w/ Force 3 Shin Guard Bag (not pictured) - $65 Force 3 Ultimate Umpire Chest Protector. Includes everything pictured but I’m looking for the bottom extension - $190 Force 3 Defender Mask - Black frame w/ black pads - 3 spring model - $125 Force 3 Defender Mask - Black frame w/ tan pads - 4 spring model - $100 Shipping within the Continental US is included in the price. Everything is in good shape, was cleaned after each use, and then stored in my gear bag.

All great advice. If you're calling pitches that are close, strikes, stick with it. Early on in my umpiring career, I worked with a former DI guy (he's in his late 60s so he no longer does DI) and was surprised by how aggressive he was with his zone (read - big zone). We had to finish up a suspended game's final two innings before the second game of the series. He and I were talking between games and he asked me what I thought of his zone. I told him I was surprised it was so big since I expected a coffee can zone. He explained that he is aggressive in the first inning to see what he can get away with. He tightens the zone based on feedback and then that's the zone for the rest of the game. Long story short - be aggressive with strikes, but be consistent. As you progress to higher levels of ball, the amount of "widening" you can do on the corners decreases, but you can always be aggressive with your zone. As far as calling breaking pitches - the following generalities worked for me when I was trying to establish consistency with breaking balls. Track the pitch all the way to the glove. Watch the catch of the pitch and wait for the catcher to stop moving the glove - this will help with timing. Then, and only then, make your decision and make your call. For breaking pitches that are dropping - If the catcher catches it at the top of the zone - the pitch was too high crossing the plate. If he catches it a little lower that I'd accept on a fastball - the breaking pitch was high enough when it crossed the plate. Corners are the same - caught it just off the side of the plate away from the batter- it's a strike. Caught on the edge of the plate nearest a batter - ball because it was inside when it crossed (this assumes batter is facing a pitcher in a R/R of L/L match up - reverse the advice on the corners for L/R match-ups). The amount of break and drop in the pitch will dictate how low or off the plate is reasonable and acceptable. Like others have said, attend a local clinic or seek out more experienced umpires and get feedback, correction, and coaching. I broke into the college game by attending a clinic and I made connections with CWS guys. I work five or six D1 preseason games each year where the CWS guys either observe me, or work the game with me. Their observations are invaluable and have contributed to my progress. Good luck as you move forward!

I'm making room in my closet and getting rid of stuff I'm no longer using. I don't have any firm prices in mind so shoot me a PM with what item(s) you are interested in, along with an offer and we can figure it out. The final price will include shipping so please take that into account. Payment via Venmo.These items are no more than three years old and have limited use, with the exception of the base pants (They got me through pro school). Force3 Version 1 (4-springs) mask - It's in great shape since with no dents or bends and the pads are also in great shape with some discoloration from sweat on the interior of the chin pad. (3) Smitty Poly-Wool Base Pants - 34" waist and hemmed to 30"-31" inseam. Good condition and still have a few seasons left in them. (2) Gerry Davis MLB Poly-Wool Plate Pants - 36" waist with 1.5" flex waistband and hemmed to 30"-31". These have only been dry cleaned and are in excellent condition. (2) Smitty Black with Grey Panel Short Sleeve MLB Replica Shirts in Size Large - Great shape. These are the first run Smitty produced, NOT their second version. (1) Smitty Black w/ White Piping Short Sleeve Shirt in Large - Great Shape (1) Smitty Black w/ White Piping Long Sleeve Shirt in Large - Great Shape

Call them. Their customer service has been absolutely outstanding. A piece of the V3 protector I had purchased had loose stitching, and they shipped me a replacement part that day. They take care of their customers.

Thanks all for the replies. I'll make sure that in the future, I will say my piece no matter what and let my partner do with it what they wish.

No on the postgame. Evidently, he had to get home and didn’t have time to hang out. He was gone off the field before I had even dumped the game balls on the plate... I have always gone for help with an open mind and preparedness for needing to change my call if I kicked it by being blocked, etc. and my partner clearly saw what I did not. Thanks for the feedback @Matt

Varsity HS game and 2 man system- ground ball, F3 is pulled off the bag several feet on the throw, BU bangs him out because he didn’t adjust for the offline throw. I’m the PU and straddling the first base line about 20’ up from the plate and see what happened. Head coach for offense is asking for time and goes to my partner. Partner comes in, we meet, and tells me he had the guy on the base and doesn’t ask for my help. I ask him if he wants to know what I saw and he says no, runner is out. I said okie doke and start back toward home. HC is pissed (as am I) so I give him a little extra rope. He is pissed at me because it looks like we got together to go over the play, and I missed him getting pulled 4-5’ off the bag or wasn’t paying attention. We have a quick, firm discussion, and I allow him to quietly vent while I don’t dime out my partner for refusing my help. I keep him in the game and we move on. First off, I will pregame this with my partners from this point forward. My question is should I have immediately overruled him since I clearly saw it or did I do the right thing waiting for us to meet, or should I have initiated a meeting with my partner before the coach had a chance to call time?

I talked to Honig’s this week and they have them. Call them and they’ll send you the fitting instructions. $295 plus $12-15 for shipping.

They spent about two pages on it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2017 edition is out. Mine was delivered on Monday.

Like Panther32 said, these masks are built like tanks. The weight hasn't been an issue for me, but it is worth considering as these are heavier than traditional masks. F3 masks are designed to be wore snug on your head, so that may be something you need to get used to if you wear your current mask loose. The field of view is good and the bars are a shade slimmer than bars on other masks like the Wilson Dyna-Lites. I like the mask enough that I am purchasing one as a backup to my current one. If all else fails, buy it through ump-attire.com and return it within 60 days if you don't like it.

@gnhbua93, I know. I was just updating in case anyone read Thunderheads' comment and thought I was successful in my hunt.

Still looking, if anyone has one.

PM me if you have one you'd like to part with. Thanks!

Sent you a PM about the TW pads.